Leipzig airport drone: EU, NATO back Germany's Russia claim

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pledged “full solidarity” with Germany on Tuesday after Berlin said Moscow was behind an explosive-laden drone incident at Leipzig airport in August.

Rutte wrote on X after talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz that Germany had presented “clear” evidence of Moscow’s role in what he called a “hybrid attack.” He said NATO would strengthen its ability to deter and defend allies against threats including malign actions like those seen in Leipzig and elsewhere in the alliance.

Von der Leyen, who also spoke with Merz, said the EU stood in full solidarity with Germany “in the face of this attack by Russia.” She said the bloc was preparing additional sanctions against Russia and that hybrid attacks would not go without a response.

Von der Leyen and Rutte were due to discuss the matter further on Wednesday in Brussels. EU foreign ministers were also expected to take up sanctions during talks in Ireland.