The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen; the President of the European Council, António Costa; and the Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte, have denounced Russia on Tuesday for its involvement in the "hybrid attack" detected at the beginning of August at the German airport of Leipzig, where three drones equipped with explosives were located, and have expressed their full support for Germany.
In messages disseminated on social media, Von der Leyen, Costa, and Rutte have agreed in pointing directly to Moscow as responsible for the incident, after the German Government did the same. Chancellor Friedrich Merz had already warned that Germany is facing "problems that come from abroad" that cannot be overlooked.
"I assured (Merz) that the EU is in full solidarity with Germany in the face of this attack from Russia," Von der Leyen has stated after having a telephone conversation with the head of the German Executive, insisting that the Twenty-Seven "will keep the EU united" against these "escalated and serious acts."
The German leader has emphasized that "hybrid attacks will not go unanswered" and that the European Union will act to deter "anyone seeking to undermine its freedom and security," in response to Russia's attempts to "sow distrust and fear" in European societies.
"We will stand with Ukraine for as long as necessary," Von der Leyen has added, announcing that this Wednesday she will discuss the attack against the Leipzig airport with Rutte and that the EU foreign ministers will study the adoption of new sanctions against Russia at their next meeting.
Costa, for his part, has emphasized that the European Union remains "strong and united" and that its support for Ukraine "is unwavering," while stressing that "Russia will not prevail."
"We condemn in the strongest possible terms the attempted drone attack by Russia at Leipzig Airport. Russia must stop its war of aggression against Ukraine, instead of escalating it," he has stated in his message.
The President of the European Council has added that from the institution he will work "with Germany and other member states to increase pressure on Russia until it shows a willingness to change course."
Rutte considers that the Russian involvement "is clear"
The Secretary General of NATO has indicated, after also having a phone conversation with Merz, that "the evidence is clear" regarding Russia's responsibility in the attack and has supported the measures announced by Berlin in response.
Rutte has explained that the Atlantic Alliance will continue to strengthen its capacity to "deter and defend" all allies against any threat, including "malicious actions" such as those detected in Leipzig and in other points of allied territory.
"Russia's attempts to intimidate, undermine our unity and our willingness to support Ukraine are futile and will fail," he warned, reiterating that NATO's support for Kiev is "unwavering," just like its "ironclad commitment" to collective defense.
Three drones located at Leipzig airport
German authorities reported last week the discovery of a third drone in the vicinity of Leipzig airport, after two other devices loaded with explosives were located in early August: one in the area designated for cargo planes and another near a Ukrainian Antonov aircraft.
The second drone is said to have impacted against a plane from the courier company DHL, and specialists found remnants of a substance that could correspond to highly explosive material, although the payload did not detonate.
Leipzig airport is considered a key point for the shipment of weapons, also linked to the war in Ukraine, and since the beginning of the Russian invasion, sightings and reconnaissance tasks with drones over critical infrastructures and military facilities have multiplied in Germany.