Following the alleged drone attack on Leipzig Airport, which is suspected to have been orchestrated by Russia, FDP leader Wolfgang Kubicki is now demanding a clear diplomatic response. Speaking to the broadcaster ntv on Monday, Kubicki stated that a reasonable reaction would involve summoning the Russian ambassador to communicate a stern warning. He asserted that while Germany has not yet delivered the Taurus missile, if the hybrid threats against Germany continue, Berlin will take all necessary steps to ensure that Ukraine receives the weaponry it needs to mount a massive defense against Russia.
Kubicki also used the incident to criticize Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) regarding his reaction to the event. Merz had previously stated that those responsible for the suspected attacks “will pay.” However, according to Kubicki, if Russia is indeed behind the drone strikes, “there must be a hard diplomatic answer.” Yet, Kubicki views Merz’s response as problematic, saying that the Chancellor handles diplomatic matters with as much erraticness and awkwardness as he does domestic politics. Kubicki suggested that with Merz, it is impossible to predict the outcome, stating that “anything is conceivable, ranging from downplaying the issue to an overreaction.”
The FDP leader reminded the public that in historical instances of comparable incidents, “balanced and rational action has been necessary.” He concluded by saying that Merz is incapable of this, warning that anyone who escalates the situation must also know how to de-escalate it. “I do not see that Friedrich Merz knows how to do that,” he added.
