Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:23am on 03 Sep 2026,Thursday International
The EU and NATO have vowed to step up pressure on Russia after Germany blamed Moscow for a failed drone attack at Leipzig/Halle airport, calling it a “new escalation” on European soil. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Russia was growing increasingly reckless, while NATO chief Mark Rutte pledged full solidarity with Germany. Moscow denied responsibility and demanded evidence. Germany announced retaliatory measures, including closing the Russian consulate in Bonn and the Russian House in Berlin, prompting Russia to shut German Goethe-Institut centres. EU ministers are now discussing tighter sanctions, visa restrictions and action against Russia’s “shadow fleet”. (PC: BBC)
