Kremlin rejects German allegations over Leipzig airport drone incident

The Kremlin has rejected allegations that Russia was involved in the discovery of a drone carrying explosives at Leipzig Airport, calling the accusations “empty and unfounded.”

Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow had taken note of the allegations and categorically denied any involvement, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

“We have taken note of the fact that completely unfounded accusations have been levelled against the Russian Federation. We categorically reject these accusations; we consider them to be utterly baseless, lacking any convincing evidence whatsoever,” Peskov said.

Peskov also criticised Germany’s response to the alleged sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines. He argued that Berlin had failed to take sufficient action against those responsible and said German officials had not publicly addressed alleged Ukrainian involvement.

According to Peskov, statements by Germany’s foreign minister were therefore unconvincing from Moscow’s perspective.

The Kremlin spokesman also commented on reports that Ukraine could establish production of long-range missiles on its territory. Peskov said Russian authorities were aware of the reports and were monitoring and verifying the information.

He warned that any facilities producing such weapons in Ukraine would be regarded by Moscow as legitimate targets for Russian military strikes. Peskov also argued that further militarisation of Ukraine would create additional security risks for the country.

The comments followed accusations by the German government on September 1 that Russia was behind a hybrid attack targeting Leipzig Airport.

Germany subsequently announced plans to close the Russian House in Berlin and the Russian Consulate-General in Bonn as part of its response.

German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, however, stressed that Germany was not at war with Russia.

Moscow has dismissed Berlin’s accusations as unsubstantiated and accused Germany of pursuing a policy aimed at further escalating tensions. Russian authorities have said Germany would “receive a fitting response”.

By Sabina Mammadli