EU and NATO: Hybrid attacks against Germany will not go unanswered
The European Union and NATO have backed Berlin's new measures against Moscow following Germany's accusations that Russia was behind the attempted attack at Leipzig/Halle airport. France, Austria, Spain, Sweden, the Baltic states and Ukraine have also expressed solidarity with Germany.
EU, NATO: Hybrid attacks against Germany will not go unanswered
The EU and NATO have blamed Russia for the attempted sabotage at Germany's Leipzig airport and backed a decision to impose new measures against Moscow.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU stands "in full solidarity" with Germany after talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Meers. She said the German government had taken firm measures, sending a clear signal that hybrid attacks would not go unanswered. Von der Leyen said European countries would continue to act together against Russian aggression and would provide assistance to Ukraine for as long as necessary.
The European Commission chief said she would discuss the issue with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on September 2. Consultations at the level of EU foreign ministers are also planned, which will also consider new sanctions against Russia.
Mark Rutte also said after talks with Mers that NATO stands "in full solidarity" with Germany and welcomed Berlin's response. He said the alliance would continue to strengthen its ability to protect and deter all member states from any threats, including malicious actions such as those seen in Leipzig and elsewhere in NATO territory.
French President Emmanuel Macron also expressed support for Germany. He said France stood in full solidarity with Germany and supported new European sanctions against Russia.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker also expressed their condolences to Berlin.
The Estonian government said that the attempted drone attack on Leipzig airport showed that Russia was threatening the whole of Europe. The governments of Latvia and Lithuania also expressed their solidarity with Germany.
The Ukrainian side also supported Berlin's actions. Ukraine's Ambassador to Germany, Alexei Makeyev, welcomed Germany's "firm attitude" to the incident in Leipzig. He said that Ukraine is working closely with Germany on protecting critical infrastructure from drones, a coordinated fight against Russia's "shadow fleet," and the imposition of additional sanctions.