"Russia is becoming irresponsible": NATO and the European Union issue an unusual warning to Moscow
A day after Germany accused Moscow of sending explosive drones to Leipzig Airport, the President of the European Commission declared that "we must be prepared to respond to Russia's recklessness faster and better." At the same time, German authorities are investigating a suspected additional sabotage attack against the country's power infrastructure.
NATO and the European Union have issued an unusual warning against Russia. Against the backdrop of increasing attacks on European countries, the leaders of the organizations announced on Wednesday that "Russia is becoming increasingly irresponsible," and pledged to respond to the "new normal," as reported by the BBC. According to them, a series of recent events in Europe, including drone incursions and damage to critical infrastructure, indicates an increase in the risk posed to the countries of the continent.
The announcement comes against the backdrop of Germany's declaration that Russia is behind an attempted attack using explosive drones at Leipzig Airport, which also serves as an important hub for NATO and Ukrainian transport aircraft. In the incident, which occurred on August 4, a drone carrying explosives was located and neutralized by a robot, while a second drone apparently collided with another cargo plane. A third drone was found on the airport grounds about ten days later. Russia has denied the German allegations.
At the same time, authorities in Germany are investigating a suspected additional sabotage attack against the country's power infrastructure — the second in less than 24 hours. The Interior Minister of North Rhine-Westphalia, Herbert Reul, said there is a "primary suspicion of sabotage hostile to the constitution."
"The events at Leipzig Airport are a new escalation on European Union soil that is directly attributed to Russia. We must increase our efforts, and that means being prepared to respond to Russia's recklessness faster and better," said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Von der Leyen clarified that the attack at the airport involved "military-grade equipment" and was carried out by Russian agents. "We will not tolerate this," she said.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also addressed the increasing attacks and clarified that the entire alliance, including the United States, stands with Germany. According to him, in recent times, the risk posed to European citizens from drones and missiles penetrating countries on the alliance's eastern flank has increased, alongside an increase in "hostile activity" directed directly at their territory. Rutte mentioned, among other things, arson at factories producing defense equipment for Ukraine and the attack in Leipzig.
Germany announced that it would close the Russian consulate in Bonn as well as the "Russian House" cultural institution in Berlin, which is suspected in Germany of being used as a propaganda tool by the Kremlin. The Russian Foreign Ministry promised to respond with similar measures and claimed that Berlin did not present evidence for its allegations. Russian President Vladimir Putin called the steps a "serious mistake," which he said contradicts the interests of the German people.
In the European Union, additional measures against Moscow are now being examined. The EU foreign ministers discussed the possibility of acting against the Russian "shadow fleet" — vessels used to transport oil and other cargo in an attempt to bypass European sanctions. The foreign ministers of France, Belgium, and the Netherlands even summoned the Russian ambassadors in protest against the attack. Von der Leyen clarified that Europe and NATO intend to continue the pressure on Moscow and even increase it.
