The dangerous conduct of the Russian Federation described just now is part of a long series of attempts to destabilise, spread disinformation, threaten, sabotage and show aggression towards Europe. Unfortunately, Germany is no exception here. Russia’s leadership is treating our country with blatant hostility. I would like to emphasise that this state of our relations is not in the interests of the Federal Government.

We expressly regret that this is the case. Since the beginning of the illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, we have underscored time and again that our objective is to bring the war to an end, to restore the peaceful order in Europe and to return to constructive relations. However, this requires a minimum level of willingness to do so on the part of the Russians. We must acknowledge that Russia is displaying no willingness to compromise.

On the contrary, with the attempted attack in Leipzig, Russia’s leadership has instead made a conscious decision to inflict further significant damage on our bilateral relations, which are already under tremendous strain. The Federal Government’s line, which the Federal Minister of the Interior has just mentioned, thus applies. Germany remains secure, and Germany is defending itself against opponents who seek to spread insecurity. The Federal Government is therefore taking action against Russia as the perpetrator of the hybrid attack in Leipzig.

In doing so, it is making it more difficult to carry out further hybrid measures in Germany and Europe. Germany has strong partners. The Federal Government is liaising closely with its partners in NATO and the European Union. It has their support and is supporting them for its own part. Germany is staying the course in its security policy. The Federal Government is resolutely continuing to support Ukraine and to strengthen Germany’s defence capabilities. Hybrid attacks such as the one in Leipzig show that this is necessary.

In addition to bolstering our security, the Federal Government is implementing measures against Russia. I have ordered the following measures to be taken in consultation with the Federal Chancellor: the Russian Consulate General in Bonn will be closed as of 18 September. The lease for the Russian House in Berlin will be terminated. Within the European Union, we will propose new listings of Russian individuals in the context of hybrid attacks. We will tighten immigration controls for Russian nationals.

We will step up the pressure on Russia’s shadow fleet. Furthermore, the Federal Government will continue to advocate for unity within NATO and the European Union. It is informing its partners and has been assured of their solidarity. And the Federal Government’s course in the area of security policy also remains clear. It will continue its civilian and military support for Ukraine. Moreover, it will take further measures in the intelligence sector.

The Federal Government will likewise continue its efforts within NATO to strengthen its own defence capabilities and to provide an effective deterrent for Russia. The Federal Government will notify Russia of this via the appropriate channels. I have therefore ordered the Russian Ambassador to be summoned. This summons is taking place as we speak.

Ladies and gentlemen, our message to Russia’s leadership is clear: we are resolutely staying the course as regards our security policy actions. The attack in Leipzig highlights how urgent this is.

We will not allow ourselves to be divided in our social cohesion or be intimidated by Russia’s attacks. We remain ready to respond resolutely together with our strong partners whenever we need to do so to protect the population and our partners. And we will resolutely continue to show our solidarity with Ukraine in its battle to defend itself against Russia’s war of aggression.

Thank you very much.