Germany Faces Russian Pressure, But Vows: We Won’t Be Intimidated
Germany is feeling the heat of its confrontation with Russia over the war in Ukraine, but Berlin says it has no intention of backing down.
Following a series of drone incidents at Leipzig Airport, the German government has accused Russia of waging what it described as a “hybrid attack” aimed at destabilising Germany and other European countries.
Rather than retreating from its support for Ukraine, Berlin has announced a fresh package of diplomatic, security and immigration measures against Moscow.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, speaking alongside Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, said the alleged incidents were part of a broader Russian campaign involving disinformation, threats, sabotage and other forms of pressure against Europe.
“Unfortunately, Germany is no exception here,” Wadephul said, accusing Russia’s leadership of treating Germany with what he described as “blatant hostility.”
The Foreign Minister said Berlin regretted the deterioration in relations with Moscow, recalling that Germany had hoped Russia’s war against Ukraine would eventually end and that Europe could return to peaceful and constructive relations.
But, he said, Germany now believes Moscow has shown little willingness to compromise.
According to Wadephul, the alleged attempted attack in Leipzig represented another escalation that could further damage relations between the two countries.
Germany’s response is expected to be felt beyond diplomatic statements.
The government announced plans to close Russia’s Consulate General in Bonn from September 18, terminate the lease for the Russian House in Berlin, push for additional European Union sanctions against Russian individuals allegedly connected to hybrid attacks and tighten immigration controls for Russian nationals.
Berlin also plans to increase pressure on Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, strengthen intelligence-related measures and further develop Germany’s defence capabilities.
Wadephul said Germany would continue working closely with its NATO and European Union allies, while maintaining both civilian and military support for Ukraine.
“Germany remains secure, and Germany is defending itself against opponents who seek to spread insecurity,” he declared.
The Foreign Minister also ordered the Russian Ambassador to Germany to be summoned and informed of Berlin’s position through diplomatic channels.
For ordinary Germans, however, the growing confrontation raises a bigger question: how far can the country go in supporting Ukraine while avoiding a direct confrontation with Russia?
Berlin’s answer appears to be that security cannot be protected by surrendering to intimidation.
Wadephul said Germany would not allow alleged Russian actions to weaken its social cohesion or divide the country from its European and NATO partners.
“Our message to Russia’s leadership is clear: we are resolutely staying the course as regards our security policy actions,” he said.
Germany, he added, would continue supporting Ukraine in its defence against Russia’s war.
For Berlin, the message is increasingly clear: Russia’s pressure may come with a price, but Germany is signalling that it is prepared to pay that price rather than abandon Ukraine or retreat from its security commitments.
