EU Prepares Fresh Russia Sanctions Following Failed Airport Attack, Kaja Kallas Says

A police officer walks next to an explosive-disarming robot at Leipzig/Halle Airport in Schkeuditz, Germany, after a drone was discovered in early August. European Union foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas has announced that the bloc is increasing pressure on Russia following accusations from Berlin that Moscow orchestrated a failed drone attack on a German airport.

Speaking with a defiant tone on Wednesday, Kallas warned that attempts to intimidate Europe would fail and condemned the incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport as state-sponsored terrorism. She stated that new proposals are being developed to tighten sanctions enforcement and introduce further restrictive measures.

Russia has denied any involvement, with President Vladimir Putin claiming the evidence was planted. The incident on August 4 involved three explosive-carrying drones found in and around the airport, which caused temporary disruptions to air traffic.

In a social media post on Wednesday, Kallas confirmed that the EU is preparing to sanction an additional 1,600 individuals and entities connected to Russia’s military sector, with readiness to expand the list further. She also noted widespread support among the bloc’s foreign ministers for banning former Russian military personnel from entering the EU and potentially tightening visa restrictions for Russian tourists. Additionally, the Russian representative to the bloc was summoned by the EU and member states.

Since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the EU has sanctioned more than 3,000 Russian officials, oligarchs, and companies without engaging in direct military means.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated on Wednesday that authorities are exploring methods to diminish Russia’s financial resources, calling the Leipzig/Halle Airport incident a new escalation on European Union soil. Meanwhile, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul warned that Russia will face consequences for its actions, while Russia’s foreign ministry summoned German envoy Bernd Finke to state that Moscow categorically rejects responsibility for the failed drone attack.