EU weighs new Russia sanctions after Germany blames Moscow for drone attack

Russian envoys have been summoned by the European Union (EU) foreign ministers just one day after Germany accused Moscow of being behind the August 4 explosive-laden drone attack on Leipzig/Halle airport.

The foreign ministers are also reportedly drafting fresh sanctions.

Meeting in Wicklow, Ireland, the bloc’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, told reporters the incident carried “all the hallmarks of state-sponsored terrorism.” 

On September 1, Germany stated that Russian operatives were behind the failed attack, in which a drone rigged with explosives was found close to a runway and a Ukrainian cargo plane before a bomb squad defused it.

What Germany found at Leipzig

The Leipzig/Halle airport has served as a European base for Ukraine’s Antonov transport jets since Russia’s 2022 invasion. Also, NATO and the German military both use the freight hub. 

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said the drone’s configuration, components, explosives, and ignition technology matched hardware seen in other Russian hybrid operations. He called the build “professional,” adding that it showed a high degree of technical skill.

On the moves Germany plans to take, Wadephul confirmed that they would close the Russian consulate in Bonn from September 18. He also stated that Germany would terminate the lease on the Russian House, a Berlin cultural institute that officials suspect operates as a Kremlin propaganda outlet.