Russian Embassy categorically rejects British accusations of Moscow’s involvement in Leipzig drone incident

Russia’s chargé d’affaires in the United Kingdom, Vasily Tsyganov, who was summoned to the UK Foreign Office, categorically rejected London’s accusations of Moscow’s alleged involvement in the drone incident at Germany’s Leipzig/Halle Airport, the Russian Embassy in London told a TASS correspondent.

“These unfounded and absurd accusations, presented in a strikingly familiar British manner, were categorically rejected. No convincing arguments were presented in support of the anti-Russian version of events,” the diplomatic mission said.

“The Russian side noted that such a systematic provocation aimed at escalating tensions in Europe benefits only Kyiv and its sponsors, who demand the continuation of the conflict. It is reckless and dangerous. It was emphasised that our country does not seek confrontation with the United Kingdom or other European states, but any escalatory steps on their part will receive an appropriate and proportionate response,” the Russian Embassy stressed.

On August 4, an attempted act of sabotage against a Ukrainian An-124 cargo aircraft took place at Leipzig Airport. Citing German investigators, media reports said that several drones were involved in the alleged attack. One of the drones carrying explosives was discovered near Ukrainian cargo aircraft, while a second apparently collided with a DHL cargo aircraft several minutes after the first was discovered.

On September 1, Germany’s foreign and interior ministers said at a joint press conference that the government in Berlin had concluded that Russia was responsible for the failed attack.

Several European countries and the European Union have summoned Russian ambassadors to lodge protests following the attack.