Friedrich Merz says Germany "found itself in the crosshairs of hybrid attackers"

Chancellor Friedrich Merz promised Tuesday that those behind a drone incident at Leipzig airport would be held accountable. Police used a robot to defuse one explosive-laden drone discovered near a Ukrainian cargo plane, and they suspect a second drone struck a DHL aircraft nearby. Media reports have indicated a third explosive drone was found, though this has not been officially confirmed. Merz, addressing a two-day cabinet retreat, did not specify who he blamed. Germany has not formally accused Russia in this case; Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has only raised suspicion that an unidentified external state might be involved. The chancellor said security services are working on establishing responsibility and will release details soon. The episode follows Germany’s long-standing accusations that Moscow conducts sabotage and espionage against Berlin, a major supporter of Ukraine.