NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said Russia’s deployment of more drones and missiles into the airspace of allied countries on NATO’s eastern flank had increased the risks to NATO territory.
Speaking at a joint press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels on Wednesday, Rutte said Russia was behaving increasingly recklessly. The NATO secretary general said NATO and the European Union were continuing their efforts without interruption to protect their populations against growing threats.
The incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport
Von der Leyen said she had determined that Russia was behind an attempt to attack cargo aircraft at Germany’s Leipzig/Halle Airport using military-grade materials.
The European Commission president said, “We will not tolerate this. We stand in full solidarity with Germany.” Von der Leyen also announced that the European Union was ready to strengthen sanctions against Russia and close loopholes used by Moscow.
Von der Leyen said Ukraine had submitted a new request worth several billion euros to support its air defenses. She said member states were assessing the request, including advanced Patriot systems.
Activities targeting NATO territory
Rutte cited fires alleged to have started at factories producing defense equipment for Ukraine and a “hybrid attack” in the German city of Leipzig among activities allegedly aimed directly at NATO territory.
The NATO secretary general said the dangers posed by Russia were clear. He rejected assessments that Moscow’s actions could divide NATO allies or weaken support for Ukraine.
Germany’s accusation and Russia’s response
The remarks came after Germany, one day earlier, held Russia responsible for an attempted drone attack at Leipzig Airport the previous month.
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said investigators had determined that the plan was prepared by Russian intelligence services and carried out by low-level operatives.
Leipzig Airport was described as a major cargo and logistics hub also used by Antonov flights transporting military cargo to Ukraine.
Russia has denied accusations of assassinations, sabotage, drone incursions and espionage in countries supporting Ukraine. Moscow accused Western governments of fueling “anti-Russian paranoia.”
