DISINFO: NATO intelligence services found no evidence of Russia’s involvement in the drone incident at Leipzig Airport
SUMMARY
According to Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), the intelligence services of NATO countries informed their governments that there was no evidence of Russian involvement.
At the same time, they pointed to numerous indications of Ukrainian involvement and recommended refraining from accusing Moscow.
RESPONSE
This is a common Russian FIMI narrative aimed at deflecting responsibility and undermining Western security assessments. It emerged following a statement by the German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt that the German government has concluded that Russia was behind the drone attack on Leipzig/Halle airport on 4 August, where an explosive device attached to a drone was discovered near a Ukrainian Antonov cargo aircraft. German authorities treated the case as a suspected act of sabotage and transferred the investigation to prosecutors and counterterrorism authorities.
According to Interior Minister Dobrindt, the investigation’s findings show that the perpetrators used means and methods known from other Russian hybrid operations, including the configuration of the drone, components, ignition technology and explosives.
Claims that NATO intelligence services found no evidence of Russia’s involvement are false and seek to undermine not only the investigation's findings, but unity among NATO Allies and their commitment to a collective defence.
NATO and the EU expressed full solidarity with Germany. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte discussed NATO and the EU's unified actions.
Leipzig marks a new escalation on European soil, directly attributed to Russia. But it is part of a broader pattern of increasingly dangerous incidents. Allies are ready to continue strengthening their ability to deter anyone who attacks their freedom and security and defend all member states targeted by Russia.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that:
“..the list of Russia's malign hybrid activities across Europe grows longer and longer: cyber attacks, sabotage, arson, airspace violations, drone incidents - and you see it here in Germany too, with the incident in Leipzig.
NATO stands in full solidarity with Germany. You have 31 friends and Allies by your side.”
Further related cases: Ukraine may stage a provocation to regain the attention lost by the war in Iran; Ukraine prepares terrorist attacks against Russian ships with the help of Norway; Suspected EU, NATO and Ukraine terrorist attack thwarted by Russia.