EU and Nato vow to step up pressure on Russia after 'new escalation' in Germany
Nato and EU leaders have condemned Russia for a failed drone attack on a German airport, labeling it a new escalation in hybrid warfare. Germany is responding by closing Russian diplomatic and cultural facilities in response to the incident.
Why it matters
This incident marks a significant increase in geopolitical tensions between Russia and Western alliances, potentially leading to further diplomatic isolation of Russia.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Ursula von der Leyen and Mark Rutte accused Russia of becoming increasingly reckless in its attacks on Europe
The heads of Nato and the European Commission have warned that Russia is growing increasingly reckless and vowed to respond to a "new normal".
"Leipzig marks a new escalation on European Union soil directly attributed to Russia," said Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, a day after Germany blamed Russia for a failed drone attack last month on Leipzig airport.
"We have to step up and that means being ready to respond to Russia's recklessness faster and better," von der Leyen said. Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte said the whole alliance, which includes the US, stood "in full solidarity with Germany".
Russia has rejected German accusations that a drone carrying explosives deliberately targeted a Ukrainian cargo plane on 4 August.
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