Von der Leyen Warns of New Security Era After Russia-Linked Drone Sabotage in Germany, Eyes 1,600 Sanctions
Updated
Updated · Euronews · Sep 2
Von der Leyen Warns of New Security Era After Russia-Linked Drone Sabotage in Germany, Eyes 1,600 Sanctions
3 articles · Updated · Euronews · Sep 2
Summary
Ursula von der Leyen said Europe has entered a “new era of European security” after Germany blamed Russia for a 4 August drone sabotage attempt at Leipzig airport that she said could have caused enormous damage and loss of life.
The European Commission chief called such incidents the “new normal,” saying everyday infrastructure must now be treated as frontline targets and that the EU should respond to Russian “recklessness” faster, using rapid-response teams and possible new sanctions.
Mark Rutte backed that warning in Brussels, saying Russia’s threat now extends to EU and NATO territory and insisting Moscow would fail if it expected recent attacks to weaken allied support for Ukraine.
Germany on Tuesday formally attributed the explosive-laden drone to Russia, then shut Russia’s Bonn consulate and ended the operating agreement for the Russian House in Berlin; the Kremlin denied responsibility and promised a response.
Kaja Kallas called the Leipzig case akin to state-sponsored terrorism as EU ministers weighed further measures, including a proposed sanctions list covering 1,600 people and entities tied to Russia’s military complex.