After UK, Russia’s Next Target Germany? Medvedev Threatens Direct Strikes

Germany has come under increasingly direct pressure from Moscow, with former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev warning that German military production facilities could face direct strikes amid a growing confrontation over support for Ukraine.

The warning follows Berlin’s accusation that Russia was behind an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport on August 4. An explosives-laden drone was discovered at the airport, prompting German investigators to examine its configuration, components, explosives and detonation technology.

German authorities said the findings were consistent with equipment used in previous Russian hybrid warfare operations against Ukraine and Europe. Berlin described the incident as another example of Russia’s campaign of hybrid warfare while stressing that Germany is not at war with Moscow.

Leipzig/Halle Airport is a strategically important logistics hub for NATO operations and has also handled Ukrainian Antonov An-124 cargo aircraft, among the world’s heaviest operational military transport planes. The alleged attack therefore triggered concerns over the security of critical infrastructure linked to European support for Ukraine.

Germany responded with measures targeting Russian interests, including the closure of the Russian Consulate General in Bonn and action against the Russian House cultural centre in Berlin. Berlin has also backed tougher European measures against individuals involved in alleged hybrid attacks.

Moscow has rejected Germany’s accusations. Russian officials have described Berlin’s actions as anti-Russian measures, while the Kremlin has dismissed the allegations surrounding the Leipzig incident.

Medvedev subsequently escalated the rhetoric, warning that Russia could target military production facilities in Germany and other locations. His comments echo earlier Russian threats against Britain over Western weapons supplied to Ukraine.

Moscow has repeatedly argued that Western military assistance amounts to direct involvement in the war and has warned that facilities and equipment connected to weapons deliveries could become legitimate targets.

The confrontation has since widened. Russia announced retaliatory measures against German cultural institutions, including Goethe-Institut centres, following Berlin’s actions against Russian institutions.

Meanwhile, German authorities are separately investigating a suspected arson attack near a defence technology company in Munich. Officials have not established a Russian connection.

The developments underline growing European fears that the boundary between rhetorical threats and hybrid attacks is becoming increasingly blurred.