Brussels/Berlin, September 2 (TNA) The European Union on Wednesday summoned Russia’s top diplomat in Brussels after Germany formally accused Moscow of orchestrating an attempted explosives-laden drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport in eastern Germany last month, escalating a diplomatic row over what EU officials are calling “state-sponsored terrorism” on European soil.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas confirmed that she had summoned Russia’s acting permanent representative to the EU, saying the incident bore “all the hallmarks of state-sponsored terrorism” and would not go unpunished. The move came as foreign ministers from the 27-nation bloc met in Ireland to coordinate a tougher response, including possible new sanctions against Russia.
Drone attack at key eastern German hub
German authorities say that on August 4, a drone carrying explosives was intercepted or failed in an attempt to strike Leipzig/Halle Airport, a major cargo and passenger hub in the state of Saxony. After weeks of investigation, Berlin concluded that Russian intelligence operatives were behind the plot, using military-grade materials in what Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt described as a “hybrid attack.”
“We condemn in the strongest possible terms Russia’s attempted drone attack at Leipzig Airport,” Dobrindt said, announcing a series of countermeasures against Moscow.
Coordinated diplomatic backlash
Following Germany’s announcement on Tuesday, the EU and several member states moved quickly to register their protests:
• The EU’s diplomatic service summoned Russia’s acting permanent representative in Brussels.
• France called in Russia’s envoy in Paris, with Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot urging additional sanctions, including targeting more vessels in Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet.”
• Germany summoned the Russian ambassador in Berlin and ordered the closure of Russia’s consulate general in Bonn and the Russian House cultural centre in the capital.
Kallas said the summons were part of a broader effort by the bloc and individual capitals to send a unified message to Moscow.
EU leaders warn of “new escalation”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the Leipzig incident as a “new Russian escalation on EU territory,” saying Russian operatives had deployed military-grade materials inside the bloc. She pledged full solidarity with Germany and indicated that foreign ministers would prepare additional sanctions against Moscow.
“The Leipzig attack involved military-grade materials and was carried out by Russian intelligence operatives,” von der Leyen said, adding that such actions “will not be tolerated.”
Moscow denies role, retaliates diplomatically
Moscow has rejected the allegations. Russian officials called Germany’s measures “anti-Russian actions” and summoned Germany’s charge d’affaires in Moscow to protest. The Kremlin and its envoys have so far offered no independent explanation for the drone incident, while continuing to deny responsibility for hybrid attacks in Europe.
Part of wider sabotage campaign
Berlin and EU officials frame the Leipzig plot as part of a wider Russian sabotage and intimidation campaign aimed at undermining European support for Ukraine. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, meeting von der Leyen in Brussels, said the alliance would continue to strengthen deterrence and defence against such threats.
The incident marks one of the most serious alleged Russian covert operations inside the EU since the start of the war in Ukraine, and is likely to harden the bloc’s stance as it debates further economic and diplomatic pressure on Moscow.