EU's Kallas labels Leipzig drone attack 'state-sponsored terrorism'

Key facts

• EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described the Leipzig drone attack as 'state-sponsored terrorism'.
• Germany has blamed Moscow for the attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport.
• EU ministers are discussing new sanctions against Russia's military-industrial complex.
• Germany is investigating two separate suspected sabotage incidents.

European Union members called for new sanctions against Russia following an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport, which EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas characterized as bearing the hallmarks of state-sponsored terrorism. Airport workers discovered a drone laden with explosives and a detonator at the facility, a key civilian freight and NATO logistics hub. Germany has formally blamed Moscow for the incident, viewing it as part of hybrid warfare intended to intimidate and divide European nations supporting Ukraine. Russia denies involvement and has stated it will respond to what it termed 'anti-Russian action.' Kallas indicated that the EU is developing sanctions targeting Russia's military complex, while France's foreign minister suggested action against Russia's 'shadow fleet' of ships accused of evading energy sanctions. The EU and several member states summoned Russian embassy officials. Germany also announced it would close Russia's consulate general in Bonn and terminate its agreement with the Russian House cultural center in Berlin. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys stated that Russia's hybrid activities are intended to unsettle society and that such actions will not deter support for Ukraine. Concurrently, Germany is investigating two new suspected sabotage cases: vandalism at a substation in North Rhine-Westphalia that took power plant units offline, and damage to power lines in Brandenburg. The timing of these incidents, occurring shortly before a state election where the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is leading polls, has raised concerns about potential foreign powers or extremist groups being involved.