The European Union and NATO are increasing coordination in the face of a wave of incidents that European authorities consider part of Russia’s hybrid warfare, following a drone incident near Leipzig airport in Germany.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will hold talks in Brussels, where the focus of discussions is expected to be strengthening cooperation against hybrid threats.
Von der Leyen stated that she will discuss the incident in Germany directly with Rutte, while EU foreign ministers are also expected to consider new sanctions against Russia, the Telegraph reports.
“The EU will stand united in the face of these serious and escalating acts,” Von der Leyen said, adding that hybrid attacks will not go unanswered.
NATO has publicly expressed its full support for Germany. Mark Rutte said that “the evidence is clear” and that Russia was behind the August 4 incident in Leipzig.
According to him, the Alliance will continue to strengthen the ability to prevent and protect all Allies from any threat, including hybrid and destabilizing actions.
Germany officially accuses Russia
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt stated that the vehicles used in the drone incident have characteristics that have also been seen in other hybrid operations linked to Russia and its war against Ukraine.
For this reason, the German government has concluded that Russia is responsible for the hybrid attack in Leipzig on August 4.
As part of the response, Germany has ordered the closure of the Russian consulate in Bonn, while the “Russian House” in Berlin will also be closed.
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul described the Russian actions as part of a long series of attempts at destabilization, disinformation, threats, sabotage and aggression against Europe.
Moscow has denied the accusations. The Russian embassy in Germany has disputed Berlin’s conclusions and warned of “consequences” in response to the new sanctions.
What happened at Leipzig airport?
On August 4, a drone was found in the security area of Leipzig/Halle airport, next to a Ukrainian cargo plane used to transport military supplies.
Later, another drone collided with a plane, preventing the plane from landing.
The incident is part of a broader security picture in Europe. In recent days, Romania and Estonia have reported drones entering their airspace, while in Germany, improvised explosive devices were found near a coal-fired power plant.
EU diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas warned that Russia is increasingly using hybrid methods to intimidate European countries and dissuade them from supporting Ukraine.
“Their efforts will not succeed,” Kallas said, warning that the risks are growing and that Europe must do more to prevent them.
Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said that Russia is constantly testing “where the red line is” for Europe.
Europe promises joint response
The Leipzig incident has brought a wave of solidarity with Germany from European allies.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that France stands fully with Germany and supports the imposition of new European sanctions against Russia.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said that attempts to intimidate Europe or create divisions among allies will not work.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also stated that Russia is escalating tensions across Europe, but the continent will not be intimidated.
Meanwhile, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said Moscow aims to intimidate Europe and Ukraine’s allies, adding that this strategy “will fail.”
Lithuania’s President, Gitanas Nausėda, gave a similar message: “Whoever attacks us will pay a price.”
The meeting between Von der Leyen and Rutte comes at a critical moment for European security. With air incidents, suspected sabotage and other hybrid operations being reported in several countries, the EU and NATO are facing the question of whether Russia is systematically testing the limits of Europe’s response.