EU and Nato vow to step up pressure on Russia after ‘new escalation’ in Germany

European Union leaders and NATO's Secretary General Mark Rutte have pledged to intensify pressure on Russia following an "escalation" at Leipzig airport. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the incident marks a new escalation within the EU, directly linked to Russia. She emphasized the need for the alliance to respond more swiftly and effectively to Russia's recklessness.

NATO Secretary General Rutte expressed solidarity with Germany, stating that the entire alliance stands together in this matter. Russia has denied allegations that a Ukrainian cargo plane was deliberately targeted by a drone on August 4th. However, German authorities have concluded that Russia is responsible for the drone attacks, citing configurations, components, explosives, and detonators consistent with other Russian hybrid operations.

Two suspects have been identified, including a Belarusian with a Russian passport. Germany plans to close the Russian consulate in Bonn and the Russian House cultural institution, suspected of acting as a Kremlin propaganda outlet. The Russian foreign ministry threatened a retaliatory response, claiming Berlin offered no evidence to support its claims.

Putin condemned Germany's actions as a serious mistake detrimental to German interests. While critics in Germany deemed the response weak, Berlin is seeking a more coordinated response with allies, including extending EU sanctions and imposing entry restrictions on Russian visitors across the bloc. EU foreign ministers discussed potential measures to further pressure Russia, such as cutting deeper into its war chest.