Moscow denies sending explosive drone to Leipzig airport; Germany convenes security council

Germany's chancellor convened a national security council after an explosive drone was found at Leipzig airport, halting air traffic; Russia denied involvement, calling it a staged provocation. Russia's Berlin embassy called the discovery a fabricated provocation aimed at blaming Moscow, decrying a new wave of anti-Russian hysteria. Germany's interior minister warned of a "new dimension of threat," citing a possible hybrid attack. Opposition Greens and FDP pointed to Russia. Leipzig/Halle airport is a central hub for German and NATO military goods and hosts Ukraine's Antonov Airlines freight fleet. In July 2024, a DHL parcel fire there was blamed by Germany's intelligence chief on Russia.