Moscow's first reaction to Germany's announcement: "We will respond appropriately to all anti-Russian decisions".

Germany announced today that Russia was behind the failed drone attack on a military airfield in Leipzig last month, revealing that the drone carrying explosives was found near a Ukrainian cargo plane. In response, Germany has closed the Russian consulate in Bonn and the Russian House of Science and Culture in Berlin. The announcement comes amid growing tensions following a series of alleged hybrid attacks attributed to Moscow. Moscow swiftly responded to the accusations, with spokesperson Maria Zakharova of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stating that Germany will receive a “proportionate response” to its decision to close the Russian cultural institutions. She emphasized that there were “no credible or serious evidence” presented by German authorities, calling the allegations a fabricated excuse. Zakharova noted that Berlin had long been a concern due to its involvement in the Ukraine conflict and participation in attacks against civilians, suggesting that the closures were part of a broader effort to retaliate. The European Commission’s president, Ursula von der Leyen, expressed solidarity with Germany over the incident, reaffirming the bloc’s unity despite the escalation. During a conversation with Chancellor Scholz, she stated that the EU fully supports Germany’s conclusions regarding the attack. Von der Leyen stressed that the Union would remain united in opposing Russian aggression, ensuring that any attempt to undermine their freedom and security would face a firm response. Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg confirmed the findings of German intelligence agencies, asserting that the evidence was clear. He warned that Russia's attempts to intimidate and destabilize the alliance were futile, emphasizing that NATO’s support for Ukraine remains unwavering. Stoltenberg reiterated the alliance’s commitment to collective defense, underscoring that the situation would not deter the bloc from standing firm against Russian aggression. Poland’s foreign minister, Radosław Sikorski, echoed Germany’s stance, expressing solidarity with its ally. He condemned Russia’s hybrid warfare tactics and affirmed Poland’s unwavering support for all NATO members targeted by Moscow. Finnish President Alexander Stubb also issued a direct message to Moscow, stating, “We know how you operate.” He called for a unified front against threats to Europe’s sovereignty and reinforced Finland’s steadfast backing of Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression. In addition, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk criticized Russia’s efforts to raise regional tensions, declaring that the country would not succeed in intimidating the West. He pledged continued support for Ukraine and coordination among NATO member states to counter the aggressor. Tusk concluded that Russia would not win this war, reinforcing the determination of Western nations to resist further encroachments by Moscow. As diplomatic tensions continue to rise, the international community watches closely for further developments. With both sides issuing strong statements, the situation appears poised for more confrontations in the coming days. The closure of Russian institutions in Germany signals a shift in the geopolitical landscape, while Moscow’s defiant response underscores the deepening divide between East and West. The outcome of these exchanges could shape the trajectory of global relations in the months ahead.