Following the attempted attack in Leipzig, the EU plans to impose a comprehensive package of sanctions on Russia

Wicklow/Brussels (dpa/d.de) – Following the attempted attack with a drone carrying an explosive device at Leipzig/Halle Airport, Russia must expect a new comprehensive sanctions package from the European Union (EU). The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said at a meeting of the EU Foreign Ministers in Ireland that preparations were already underway for imposing sanctions on another 1,600 individuals and companies with connections to the Russian military-industrial complex. She added that further companies and individuals could be added to the list.

The German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul reported about what is known about the drone incident at the EU meeting.

The Federal Government received strong support after this. President Emmanuel Macron of France, for example, confirmed his full solidarity with Germany. On the X platform, he stressed that the increasing number of hybrid attacks in Europe “cannot go unanswered”. He stated that France stood fully with Germany and would support new European sanctions against Moscow. The Italian Foreign Minister and Vice Prime Minister Antonio Tajani condemned the Russian sabotage attempt at Leipzig Airport in the strongest terms and declared full solidarity with Germany on behalf of the Italian government. Several other heads of government and foreign ministers from across Europe issued similar statements. 

President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen said that the attempted attack in Leipzig would have resulted in enormous damage, and possibly even loss of life, had it been successful. She stressed that this could not be tolerated, and continued by saying that if the goal had been to make the EU reconsider its support for Ukraine, then all she could say was that such attempts at intimidation would not be successful.

The German investigators found the attempted attack to have been addressed at a Ukrainian type Antonov AN-124 Condor cargo plane. The media reports that the investigators have their sights set on two suspects. The Public Prosecutor General declined to comment on this. Following several weeks of intense investigation work, the Federal Government announced on Tuesday that it had been clearly found that Russia was responsible for the attempted attack.

Tensions have since been rising considerably between Berlin and Moscow. The Russian President Vladimir Putin described the catalogue of measures against his country that was announced by Berlin as a “grave mistake” and claimed that evidence had been forged. The Foreign Ministry in Moscow announced that counter measures would be taken, such as closing the Goethe Institutes in Russia.

Wadephul rejected Putin’s claims: “The opposite is the case.” He said that he had received plenty of support for the measures from his colleagues in the EU. In addition to Germany, several other countries had summoned their Russian ambassadors and were reviewing additional sanctions, Wadephul reported. 

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that Russia was acting increasingly recklessly as the country continued its terrible war against Ukraine. More drones and missiles could be seen crossing into the NATO airspace along the eastern flank, creating increased risk, Rutte stated. He also mentioned an increase in malign activities directly targeting NATO territory. “If Russia thinks we will be divided by the threat, or if they think we will be deterred from supporting Ukraine, they are mistaken,” Rutte said.

The Federal Government had announced a whole range of retaliatory measures against Russia on Tuesday. These include for the Russian House to be closed, as the cultural institute is suspected to be used for covering up espionage. The consulate general is also to be closed, along with the expulsion of numerous diplomats. Further measures include stricter entry controls for Russian nationals and tougher action against the Russian shadow fleet.