EU’s Kallas labels Leipzig drone attack ‘state-sponsored terrorism’
Brussels is considering 1,600 new sanctions targeting Russia’s military-industrial complex.
EU's top diplomat Kaja Kallas described the unsuccessful drone strike at Leipzig-Halle Airport as "state-sponsored terrorism" on Wednesday. Germany accused Russia of orchestrating the incident, which occurred on August 4th. Kallas commented as EU foreign ministers convened in Wicklow, Ireland. She said Germany's assessment sent a "very strong signal" and expressed praise for EU governments uniting behind Berlin.
Kallas announced that Germany had summoned the Russian ambassador, alongside other member states, and further discussions were planned regarding potential additional actions. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot linked the attack to the Kremlin's long-standing strategy of destabilizing the EU and weakening support for Ukraine.
He vowed that such a grave act would not go unpunished and pledged France's support for Germany's planned sanctions and additional punitive measures against Russian vessels. Irish Foreign Minister Helen McEntee emphasized that Europe had moved beyond discussing "hybrid threats" and now faces "significant activity." She accused Russia of deliberately seeking to divide EU governments and instill fear among citizens.
Germany officially held Moscow accountable for the Aug. 4th attack, announcing retaliatory diplomatic steps and plans to seek further EU sanctions. Moscow has denied involvement in the incident. Kallas also mentioned that another 1,600 listings targeting Russia's military-industrial sector were already being prepared. While no decision was made during Wednesday's meeting, Kallas stated that Germany had the political support of its EU partners. She stressed the importance of a unified response.
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