Germany prepares to blame Russia for Leipzig drone attack and impose sanctions

Germany is preparing to formally blame Russia for an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport and roll out fresh sanctions, according to officials cited by Politico. Chancellor Friedrich Merz is reportedly weighing 'broad' measures that could arrive alongside a new EU sanctions package, possibly before a foreign ministers' meeting in Ireland next week.

The August 5 incident involved a drone carrying a detonator and explosives found near a Ukrainian Antonov An-124 at the airport, which has served as a hub for Ukrainian cargo flights since 2022. A joint media investigation later reported three drones were involved, with explosives allegedly hidden in a can of corn.

Germany's interior minister called it the work of a likely foreign state, and U.S. officials told the Wall Street Journal the drone probably belonged to the Russian government. A government spokesperson, meanwhile, insisted Berlin would not speculate before the investigation concludes — even as ministers publicly promise Russia 'will pay for this.'

The full dispatch is available from the source below.