EU and NATO leaders confirmed they will step up pressure on Russia following drone attacks at a German airport and multiple sabotage attempts across Europe.
On Wednesday, 2 Sep 2026, the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) announced plans to increase pressure on Russia after an attempted drone attack at Leipzig Airport in Germany. Although the attack failed, the EU described it as a "new escalation of violence."
Earlier, Germany stated that investigations and intelligence confirmed Russia's involvement in the attempted drone attack carrying explosives targeting a Ukrainian cargo plane at Leipzig Airport on 4 Aug. Evidence included fragments and bombs similar to those Russia has used in hybrid operations, with two suspects identified.
This discovery led Germany to retaliate by ordering the closure of the Russian consulate in Bonn and the Russian House cultural institute in Berlin. Russia denied the allegations and threatened similar retaliatory measures, not ruling out severing diplomatic ties.
Additionally, several suspected sabotage incidents occurred around the same time, including attacks on substations and power lines in Germany and a fire at a military drone factory in Poland, which Polish leaders described as deliberate arson and sabotage.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, confirmed they will not accept Russia's actions and will cooperate to respond more swiftly and effectively.
The EU is preparing to consider additional sanctions, including travel restrictions on Russian passport holders, and measures to address Russia's "shadow fleet," used to transport oil and evade sanctions.
Meanwhile, Europe will continue providing financial and military support to Ukraine, including joint development of the Freyja missile defense system, aiming to pressure Russia to cease attacks on Ukraine.
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Source:bbc