Germany Suspects Moscow Behind Leipzig Drone Incident, Plans Sanctions

The German government reportedly believes Russia was responsible for a drone incident at Leipzig Airport in early August and is preparing to officially name Moscow as the perpetrator. According to "Welt am Sonntag" and the portal Politico, citing three individuals familiar with the matter, Berlin plans to announce "comprehensive" measures against Russia in the coming days.

These measures are expected to include a combination of direct actions by Germany and new European Union sanctions. The announcement is tentatively scheduled for early next week, coinciding with the EU foreign ministers' meeting in Ireland on Tuesday. However, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz might accelerate this decision.

The incident occurred on the evening of August 4, when a drone laden with explosives was discovered at Leipzig Airport. The drone was found in close proximity to several Ukrainian cargo planes. Leipzig Airport is known to be a transit point for military aid shipments to Ukraine as it defends against Russia's invasion.

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The German government does not participate in speculation. Only the official attribution, which the German government makes at its own discretion and after considering all investigation results, is relevant.

Chancellor Merz stated on Thursday that his government would soon identify those responsible for the incident. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt had previously referred to "foreign powers" involved. A government spokesperson, responding to the media reports on Saturday, declined to comment on speculation, emphasizing that only the official attribution made by the German government, based on its assessment of all investigative findings, is relevant.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin, through its spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, has indicated no prospect of improved relations with the European Union. Peskov stated that Europe's statements suggest it views Russia as an "opponent and even an enemy." He added that current EU politicians are acting confrontationally towards Russia, not only in words but also in deeds, mobilizing Europe's military capabilities against Russia and directly participating in hostilities.

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Speaking of the issue of peace talks, this topic is completely postponed for now.