The Russian Federation has rejected Germany’s accusation linking Moscow to an attempted drone attack on Leipzig/Halle Airport on Aug. 4.
The Embassy of Russia in Nigeria, in a statement issued by its Chargé d’Affaires, Igor Ivannikov, on Tuesday in Abuja, described the accusation as unsubstantiated.
Ivannikov said Berlin had not provided technical or independent investigative evidence to establish that the reported drone originated from Russia.
He said claims that Russia was involved in the incident as part of a broader pattern of alleged Russian hybrid operations were misleading.
“Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated that Germany cannot confirm the drone originated from Russia, yet assumed its configuration is similar to equipment used by Russia,” he said.
Ivannikov argued that similar drone equipment could be manufactured by several countries and was commercially available, stressing the need for a joint investigation by Germany and Russia to establish the facts.
He said Germany’s failure to pursue such an investigation demonstrated a biased approach and a lack of genuine interest in determining what happened.
The chargé d’affaires also criticised measures taken by Berlin, including the closure of the Russian Consulate in Bonn and the Russian House cultural centre, as well as visa restrictions and sanctions, describing them as disproportionate to an unexamined case.
He alleged that the actions suggested a pre-fabricated scenario aimed at provoking confrontation and damaging bilateral relations.
“Such actions violate international law and the foundations of diplomatic relations,” Ivannikov said.
