Italian premier says bid to split allies over Leipzig plot will fail

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Tuesday that attempts to intimidate allies or drive wedges between them would not succeed, voicing full solidarity with Germany after Berlin accused Russian intelligence services of orchestrating an attempted drone attack at Leipzig Airport last month and unveiled sweeping diplomatic sanctions against Moscow.

'United response'

"Attempts to intimidate us or to drive a wedge between Allies will not succeed: hybrid actions against any one of us are a matter of concern for all of us, and will be met with a united response," Meloni wrote on US social media platform X. She stated that Italy stood firmly with Germany, emphasizing that the security of each ally represents security for all. "At times like this, it is essential to remain steadfast, to keep working closely together, and to maintain a credible posture of deterrence in defence of our citizens' security," she added.

Berlin's accusations

German authorities on Tuesday formally blamed Russia for the attempted drone attack, which occurred last month, and announced extensive diplomatic measures against Moscow. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt told reporters in Berlin that investigators had determined the plot was planned by Russian intelligence services and executed by low-level operatives.

Diplomatic sanctions

Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said he had summoned Russia's ambassador to deliver a formal protest and notify Moscow of Berlin's response. "The Russian Consulate General in Bonn will close on Sept. 18. The agreement regarding the Russian House in Berlin is being terminated," Wadephul said, referring to the Soviet-era cultural center long viewed by Western officials as a possible intelligence cover.