The European Union's top diplomat stated on Wednesday that an attempted drone attack on a German airport, which German officials have blamed on Russia, appears to be “state-sponsored terrorism.” The EU and its member nations are currently deliberating their response to the incident.
German authorities on Tuesday accused Russia of the Aug. 4 attempt at Leipzig/Halle Airport. A drone, found near a Ukrainian cargo plane and defused, was reportedly laden with explosives. German officials had previously indicated the incident posed a new level of danger. Leipzig/Halle Airport is a significant international freight hub that also supports Ukraine.
"It is clear that it has all the hallmarks of state sponsored terrorism. The question is: what do we do about this?" EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas told reporters before a meeting of the bloc’s defense ministers in Ireland.
Western officials have widely accused Moscow of conducting a campaign of sabotage and disruption aimed at weakening support for Ukraine and destabilizing European countries. Russian President Vladimir Putin has denied Berlin's allegations, suggesting Germany's government is attempting to deflect from its own shortcomings and public dissatisfaction by focusing on countering Russia.
Kallas indicated that the EU was already planning further sanctions against Russia for its war in Ukraine, with approximately 1,600 listings for Russia’s military complex already in progress and potentially more to be added.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot described the failed attack as part of a “long-term plan led by the Kremlin to destabilize the European Union, its democratic processes, but obviously also its support for Ukraine.” France has summoned Russia’s envoy in Paris to lodge a strong protest, Barrot said, adding that France desires to implement additional sanctions on vessels involved in illicit oil transport to fund Russia's war.
Germany maintained that it is not at war with Russia but has become a frequent target of Russia's hybrid warfare tactics. The EU has imposed nearly two dozen packages of sanctions on Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine, targeting around 3,000 individuals and entities, including President Putin, associated oligarchs, and lawmakers. These measures have also affected Russian banks, financial institutions, and companies, particularly in the energy and drone manufacturing sectors. Sanctions typically involve asset freezes and travel bans, and have extended to individuals and companies in countries identified as supporting Russia, such as Belarus, China, Iran, and North Korea.
British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, who also attended the EU meeting, stated that Russia's attempt to divide European nations and deter support for Ukraine will fail. "We will stand up to Russian aggression. We will stand shoulder to shoulder with our friends in Ukraine," he said.
The incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport is among several recent reports of potential sabotage across Europe, including a fire at a drone manufacturing facility in Poland, with Russia suspected in numerous cases. Drone incursions have also been reported in Estonia and Latvia.