The Russian Federation has refuted accusation by Germany linking Moscow to an attempted Leipzig/Halle Airport drone attack which occurred on Aug. 4.
The Embassy of Russia Federation in Nigeria in a statement issued by its Chargé d’ Affaires, Igor Ivannikov, on Tuesday in Abuja, described the accusation as ‘unsubstantiated”.
He said Berlin had not provided technical or independent investigative evidence to validate that the reported drone originated from Russia.
“Berlin’s investigations and intelligence saying that Russia was involved in the incident as part of a broader pattern of Russian hybrid operations, are misleading.
“Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated that Germany can not confirm the drone originated from Russia, yet assumed its configuration is similar to equipment used by Russia,” he said.
The chargé d’ affaires explained that similar drone equipment could be manufactured by several countries and that such are commercially available, while stressing the need for joint investigation between Germany and Moscow to ascertain the truth.
“Germany’s failure to pursue such an investigation demonstrates a biased approach and a lack of genuine interest in establishing the facts surrounding the incident,” Ivannikov said.
He said that measures taken by Berlin, in terms of the closure of the Russian Consulate in Bonn, the Russian House cultural centre, restriction of visa and sanctions, were not proportional to the unexamined case.
He also said that such unverified action suggested a pre-fabricated scenario aimed at deliberately seeking confrontation, using a false pretext to severely damage bilateral relations.
“Such actions violate international law and the foundations of diplomatic relations.
“It is also simultaneously increasing military support for Kyiv authorities, whose actions Russia has long documented as exhibiting radical nationalism, russophobia,” he said
(NAN)
CN/SH
