Those behind hybrid attacks on Germany ‘will pay a price’ , will not deter Germany from strongly supporting Ukraine - Merz

Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Tuesday vowed that Germany will make those responsible for hybrid attacks on the country “pay a price.”

Speaking to reporters ahead of the government’s two-day Cabinet retreat near Berlin, Merz said the recent attempted drone attack at Leipzig Airport underscored the seriousness of the threats Germany faces.

“Attackers are becoming increasingly unscrupulous, willing to accept even severe property damage, injuries, and deaths,” Merz said. He noted that the investigation remains ongoing and that the government will soon present its findings.

“The German government will make perpetrators of hybrid attacks pay a price. They will be held accountable,” he said, adding that a recent legislative package aimed at strengthening the country’s intelligence services will further bolster security.

Merz stressed that such attacks will not deter Germany from strongly supporting Ukraine in the Russia-Ukraine war.