NATO and European Union leaders have warned that Russia is becoming increasingly reckless, following Germany’s accusation that Moscow was behind an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen issued the warning on Wednesday, September 2, saying Europe must strengthen its response to what they described as growing Russian threats, including suspected sabotage, drone incidents and interference with critical infrastructure. Von der Leyen described the Leipzig incident as a “new escalation” on EU soil, saying it reflected a wider pattern of hostile activity across Europe.

“Europe and NATO will not just maintain our pressure on Russia, we will increase it,” she said, according to reports of the joint briefing.

The warnings followed Germany’s decision to attribute an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport to Russia. German authorities said an explosives-laden drone was discovered near a Ukrainian cargo aircraft at the airport on August 4. Berlin said its investigation found similarities between the drone’s configuration, explosives and triggering technology and previous Russian hybrid operations. Russia has rejected the allegations, meaning Moscow’s responsibility remains a claim by German authorities rather than an independently established fact. The incident has nevertheless prompted European governments to consider further measures against Russia.

Rutte said NATO had recorded an increase in drones and missiles crossing allied airspace, particularly along the alliance’s eastern flank. He also cited suspected sabotage, including fires at facilities producing defence equipment for Ukraine, as part of the security challenges facing NATO members. Rutte said Russia had become “increasingly reckless” but stressed that NATO remained united and committed to protecting its members. He said the alliance would continue strengthening its defences while avoiding unnecessary escalation. Von der Leyen said the EU would maintain and increase pressure on Russia, including through additional sanctions. European officials have been considering measures targeting Russia’s military-industrial complex and other areas supporting Moscow’s war effort. The EU is also working to strengthen European air defences and support Ukraine, including through additional military assistance. Von der Leyen said Europe needed to improve its ability to protect critical infrastructure and respond faster to security incidents.

The concerns come as Russia’s war in Ukraine continues, with European governments maintaining financial, political and military support for Kyiv. The Leipzig incident has consequently become part of a broader European debate over how to respond to suspected Russian hybrid operations without allowing individual incidents to escalate into direct confrontation between NATO and Moscow.