EU blames Russia for Leipzig drone attack, prepares sanctions

In early September 2026, the European Union summoned Russia's envoy to Brussels after a failed drone attack near Leipzig, Germany. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called the incident "state-sponsored terrorism" and said it bore the hallmarks of such attacks. German officials identified two suspects with links to Moscow, and Berlin summoned a Russian diplomat in response.

The EU and NATO vowed to increase pressure on Russia, with the bloc preparing a massive sanctions package. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the attack as a "new escalation" and said the EU was ready to respond. Meanwhile, Lithuania's foreign minister urged the EU to reconsider its unanimity rule for foreign and security policy, arguing it hampers swift decisions in crises.