Germany blames Russia for airport drone incident, hits back with sanctions

BERLIN – Germany on Tuesday blamed Russia for an attempted “hybrid attack” involving an explosive-laden drone at a strategic airport in August and announced diplomatic counter-measures. The European Union expressed “full solidarity” with Germany, NATO assured that it would defend its members and countries including Britain, France and Poland offered strong backing. Germany will close Russia’s consulate in the former capital Bonn later this month, and cancel the contract for the Russian House, a cultural center in Berlin, said German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul.