European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte have accused Russia of becoming increasingly reckless in its attacks on Europe, vowing to respond to a 'new normal' of hybrid warfare.

Speaking a day after Germany formally blamed Russia for a failed drone attack on Leipzig/Halle airport last month, von der Leyen stated: 'Leipzig marks a new escalation on European Union soil directly attributed to Russia.' She emphasized the need to 'respond to Russia's recklessness faster and better.'

Rutte expressed 'full solidarity with Germany' on behalf of the entire NATO alliance, which includes the US. The German government said police investigations and intelligence findings proved Russian involvement, citing the drone's configuration and explosives as consistent with other Russian hybrid operations.

The airport, a key NATO hub used by Ukrainian Antonov cargo planes, was targeted on August 4. A drone carrying explosives was defused by a robot, while a second reportedly collided with another aircraft. A third drone was discovered ten days later. Two suspects have been identified, including a Belarusian with a Russian passport and a dual Latvian-Russian national.

In response, Berlin announced the closure of the Russian consulate in Bonn and the Russian House cultural center, suspected of spreading Kremlin propaganda. Moscow promised 'mirror-image' retaliation, summoned Germany's chargé d'affaires, and rejected the accusations as 'entirely unfounded.' President Vladimir Putin condemned Germany's measures as a 'serious mistake.'

EU foreign ministers, meeting in Ireland, discussed actions against Russia's 'shadow fleet' of oil tankers and potential visa bans on Russian tourists. France, Belgium, and the Netherlands summoned Russian ambassadors in protest. Lithuania's foreign minister noted that Russia sees no political cost for its hybrid operations.

Meanwhile, Germany reported two attacks on electricity substations in the past 24 hours, and Poland investigated a fire at a drone factory as arson. These incidents are part of a broader pattern of sabotage and interference, according to von der Leyen, who stressed that Europe and NATO will 'increase pressure' on Moscow until it stops 'bombing and killing innocent men, women and children in Ukraine.'

Source: www.bbc.co.uk