A White House exchange left key questions unanswered as German investigators examine whether explosive drones found in Leipzig point to Russian involvement.
US President Donald Trump said that Vladimir Putin has no intention of attacking NATO countries. At the same time, the American leader did not directly condemn the Russian president amid suspicions that Russia was involved in attacks against Alliance member states.
This is reported by Politico.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump avoided giving a direct answer about the August 4 incident at Leipzig Airport. Explosive-laden drones were discovered there, which officials believe may be linked to Russia.
I speak with him and know him very well. Putin has no intention of attacking NATO territory.
– Donald Trump
The US president did not explain why he dismissed the possibility of a deliberate attack on a NATO member state. He also provided no further details about the drones found in Leipzig.
Germany Investigates Possible Russian Link
European security officials consider the incident a possible manifestation of Russia’s hybrid war against countries that support Ukraine. One of the drones was found near a Ukrainian aircraft, while another was discovered at a NATO logistics center.
At the end of September, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius is due to meet with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in Washington. The talks are expected to include a discussion of the incident in Leipzig.
Since the beginning of the year, Germany’s Federal Criminal Police Office has recorded 165 suspected cases of sabotage. However, the investigation will determine the drones’ origins and whether they may be linked to Russia.