Merkel to accuse Russia over Leipzig drone attack and announce sanctions
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz plans to blame Russia for the attempted drone attack at Leipzig Airport and announce sweeping sanctions against Moscow. The announcement is expected early next week, timed with the EU foreign ministers' meeting in Ireland on September 1. Berlin is also preparing for a possible harsh Russian response.
Key Facts
- The German government plans to impose direct sanctions on Russian organizations.
- The EU is preparing a new package of restrictive measures against Russia.
- The announcement is expected early next week, coinciding with the EU foreign ministers' meeting in Ireland on September 1.
- A drone deliberately crashed into a Ukrainian cargo plane at Leipzig Airport but did not explode.
- Chancellor Merz said on Tuesday that the federal government will make perpetrators of hybrid attacks pay a price.
Planned Sanctions
The German government's plan includes direct sanctions against Russian organizations. The European Union is simultaneously preparing a new package of restrictive measures against Russia. One official said that after the Leipzig incident, Berlin no longer considers expelling individual Russian diplomats or closing the Russian House in Berlin sufficient. The official added that tougher measures are needed, including stronger sanctions or even further increases in weapons deliveries to Ukraine.
Announcement Timing
The announcement is expected early next week, timed with the EU foreign ministers' meeting in Ireland on September 1. Two sources did not rule out that the announcement could be made earlier. Three officials told POLITICO that the announcement could be made at the start of next week, coinciding with the EU foreign ministers' meeting in Ireland, or earlier depending on Chancellor Friedrich Merz's preference.
Leipzig Incident
At Leipzig Airport, a strike drone deliberately crashed into a Ukrainian cargo plane but did not explode. The airport was locked down for hours due to bomb-laden drones. Chancellor Merz said on Tuesday that the Leipzig drone attack shows Germany faces very real threats. He added that the federal government will make perpetrators of hybrid attacks pay a price.
3 sources
Merkel to accuse Russia over Leipzig drone attack and announce sanctions
