Germany announced on Sept. 1, in a joint national security statement in Berlin, that responsibility for last month's attempted explosive-drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport lies with Russia. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt appeared together.

The measures fall into three parts: closing Russia's consulate general in Bonn by Sept. 18; ending the agreement under which the "Russian House" operates in Berlin; and tightening entry restrictions while pursuing new sanctions at EU level.

The incident occurred at Leipzig airport on Aug. 4. Several drones were said to have been involved in an attempt targeting a Ukrainian-registered An-124 cargo aircraft, and an investigation followed.

Drone sightings near airports have repeatedly suspended flights across Europe in recent months. Munich and Berlin airports both halted operations in similar circumstances before resuming.

The European Union and NATO expressed support for the German measures. Sanctions, however, require agreement among member states, so the timing and scope of any new package remain unsettled.

Russia has generally denied involvement in attributions of this kind. Whether it will respond with specific measures has not been confirmed.

Drone incidents at airports pose a direct hazard to civil aviation. A single sighting can close a runway and delay dozens of flights, which is why European states are moving quickly to acquire detection and counter-drone equipment.