US Ambassador to NATO Pledges Support for Hybrid Attacks After Leipzig Drone Incident

Following a drone incident at Leipzig airport, the US Ambassador to NATO, Matthew Whitaker, promised Alliance support in the event of hybrid attacks. He stated that the US will assist member countries facing similar incidents. Whitaker called the Leipzig drone attempt, which Germany blamed on Russia, more concerning than other recent drone incidents. He said that if the perpetrator is identified, the response will make clear such actions are unacceptable, while noting the affected country should respond first. The incident occurred on August 5 at Leipzig/Halle airport, a base for Ukrainian Antonov aircraft, where a drone with explosives was found. Germany officially accused Russia on September 1 and subsequently closed the Russian consulate in Bonn.