- An attempted drone attack occurred on Leipzig air freight hub last month, which Germany has attributed to Russia.
- Germany is prepared for potential measures from Moscow in response to the attack.
- The EU and NATO leaders have condemned the incident as a new escalation and pledged to increase pressure on Russia.
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the attempted drone attack in Leipzig marks a new escalation on European soil and will strengthen the EU's resolve to increase pressure on Russia.
- Von der Leyen described the attack as "an attack using military grade material, carried out by Russian operatives on European Union soil," warning that there could have been a loss of life had it succeeded.
- Von der Leyen emphasized that "Europe and NATO will not just maintain our pressure on Russia. We will increase it and we will not stop."
- She also noted that the incident is part of "a broader pattern of increasingly dangerous incidents," stating that "Europeans are faced with a hard truth that this is the new normal," and called for action.
- NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte echoed Von der Leyen's views, stating that Russia has become "increasingly reckless."
Germany has officially blamed Russia for a drone attack at Leipzig/Halle airport, marking a new escalation in European tensions. The German government is bracing for potential retaliatory measures from Moscow, with a spokesperson confirming that Berlin is prepared for any response.123
On Tuesday, Berlin concluded that Russia was responsible for the attempted attack, leading to a series of countermeasures, including the closure of a consulate and a Russian cultural center in Germany. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated, "This was an attack using military grade material, carried out by Russian operatives on European Union soil," emphasizing the serious implications of the incident.45
Von der Leyen noted that the attack could have resulted in loss of life had it succeeded, and described it as part of "a broader pattern of increasingly dangerous incidents." She asserted that the EU's resolve to increase pressure on Russia will only strengthen in light of this incident, stating, "Europe and NATO will not just maintain our pressure on Russia. We will increase it and we will not stop."678
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte echoed these sentiments, highlighting that Russia has become "increasingly reckless." The EU and NATO's commitment to enhancing security measures in response to this escalation reflects a growing concern over the stability of Europe amidst ongoing tensions with Russia.9
“Von der Leyen called the attack "an attack using military grade material, carried out by Russian operatives on European Union soil," warning of potential loss of life. NATO's Rutte echoed that Russia had grown "increasingly reckless," as Berlin prepares for possible Russian countermeasures.”
