EU foreign ministers, meeting in Ireland, collectively condemned Russian hybrid attacks across Europe, specifically highlighting the recent drone incident at Leipzig Airport. The EU's high representative on foreign affairs signaled upcoming sanctions on up to 1,600 Russian individuals and entities.
The German government formally attributed the Leipzig Airport attack to Russia after police investigations and intelligence findings, noting that the drone's components and explosives matched those seen in other Russian hybrid operations. In response, Germany announced the closure of the Russian consulate in Bonn and the Russian House cultural institution, suspected of acting as a propaganda outlet.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen characterized the Leipzig incident as a "new escalation" carried out by Russian operatives with military-grade material on EU soil. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte expressed full solidarity with Germany. Several EU countries, including France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, have summoned Russian ambassadors in protest, while discussions continue on further actions, including tightening existing sanctions and potentially using frozen Russian assets, valued around $210 billion, to aid Ukraine.
