EU calls Leipzig drone attack state terrorism

Germany has formally attributed the August 4 attempted drone attack at Germany — Leipzig/Halle Airport to Russia, prompting the EU's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas to label it 'state sponsored terrorism.' The drone, laden with explosives, was discovered near a Ukrainian cargo plane and defused. In response, Germany announced it would close Russia's consulate general in Bonn and terminate its agreement with the Russia — Russian House of Science and Culture cultural centre in Berlin. EU foreign and defense ministers, meeting informally in Ireland, discussed tightening sanctions, with Kallas noting 1,600 additional listings targeting Russia's military complex are in the pipeline. France summoned Russia's envoy to protest, and several EU members expressed support for further measures. Russia denied involvement, with President Vladimir Putin dismissing the allegations as planted evidence. The incident is part of a broader pattern of suspected Russian hybrid operations across Europe, including a separate court conviction in Stuttgart of a Ukrainian man for scouting sabotage targets for Russian intelligence. The EU remains cautious about escalating into open conflict with Russia, but the event has heightened tensions and prompted discussions on new sanctions and responses.