By Maureen Okon
The German Government has ordered the closure of Russia’s Consulate General in Bonn from Sept. 18 following an alleged Russian “hybrid attack” in Leipzig.
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul announced the measure alongside Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by Felix Haala, Head of Press and Political Counsellor at the German Embassy in Abuja.
Wadephul described the incident as part of a broader campaign by Russia involving destabilisation, disinformation, threats and sabotage against Germany and Europe.
He accused Russia’s leadership of “blatant hostility” towards Germany, saying the Leipzig incident would further strain already tense bilateral relations.
Other measures include the termination of the lease for the Russian House in Berlin and Germany’s proposal for new European Union sanctions against Russian individuals linked to alleged hybrid attacks.
The government will also tighten immigration controls for Russian nationals, increase pressure on Russia’s “shadow fleet” and take further measures in the intelligence sector, the statement said.
Wadephul said the Russian ambassador had been summoned on Monday and informed of the measures.
He said Germany would continue supporting Ukraine and strengthening its defence capabilities while working with NATO and EU partners to improve deterrence.
“Hybrid attacks such as the one in Leipzig show that this is necessary,” Wadephul said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that German authorities said a drone carrying explosives was found near a Ukrainian aircraft at Leipzig/Halle Airport on Aug. 4.
The device was defused, with German officials describing the incident as a new level of danger.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Emmanuel Yashim