Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has expressed full solidarity with Germany following an attempted drone attack on Leipzig Airport that Berlin has formally attributed to Russia, warning that "attempts to intimidate our democracies will not succeed."
"Greece expresses its full solidarity with Germany following Russia's hybrid attack in Leipzig. Attempts to intimidate our democracies will not succeed.
We remain steadfast and will maintain a credible deterrent force to protect our citizens and our security," Mr. Mitsotakis wrote on social media.
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Monday that Russian intelligence services were responsible for the early August incident, in which an armed drone was found near Ukrainian transport aircraft at Leipzig Airport — a key hub for military supply deliveries to Ukraine.
"We are not at war," Mr. Dobrindt said, "but we are a daily target of hybrid warfare."
He said the operation, while carried out by untrained private individuals recruited by Russian intelligence, involved technology reflecting a high level of expertise, and warned Germany faces further such attacks.
Germany announced its first bilateral sanctions against Russia in response, including closing Russia's consulate in Bonn by September 18, terminating the agreement governing the "Russian House" cultural center linked to the Russian embassy, tightening entry checks for Russian nationals, summoning Russia's ambassador in Berlin for a formal protest, and increasing pressure on Russia's shadow fleet.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she would discuss the incident Wednesday with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, with EU foreign ministers expected to prepare a response at their next meeting.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said that "Russia is attacking Europe with a wave of hybrid attacks with increasing direct impact," following an informal EU defense ministers meeting in Ireland, vowing that Russia's attempts to prevent European support for Ukraine "will not succeed."
She said no formal decision was reached on providing Ukraine with additional Patriot missile systems, though discussions continue.
At least 12 people were killed in Russian strikes on Kyiv and its outskirts overnight Monday, as Moscow warned of "massive strikes" on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.