Germany, France and Poland warn that they will respond to Russian violence

“There will be consequences” for incidents such as the frustrated attack on explosive drones at the airport of the German city of Leipzig, which Berlin imposed on Moscow, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul declared at the end of a meeting with French and Polish counterparts in Weimar.

Wadephul thanked the demonstrations of support for Germany following the complaint that Russia was behind the attempt to attack Leipzig, stressing that “Europe remains united when Russia tries to destabilize security and societies” on the continent.

“ We continue with our support [Ukraine] and increase pressure on Moscow to embark on serious negotiations. Russia's attacks and threats are directed at all of us. Together we strengthen our resistance,” the German MNE said, calling for a Europe “able to act and strong”.

The head of French diplomacy, Jean-Noel Barrot, warned Russia that “Europe will respond to acts of gravity” as at Leipzig Airport in eastern Germany.

“ It is clear that when the territorial integrity of the European Union, of NATO (Organisation of the Atlantic-North Treaty, Western Defence Block) or of our electoral processes is threatened — in short, whenever the heart of our states and democracies is attacked, even if these attacks are hybrid — we will respond,” he stressed.

“ What image would we project if we were unable to respond when the most essential is attacked, in relation to what can never be compromised?", the French MNE asked, repeating that whenever such incidents occur, “there will be consequences.”.

Barrot also attributed renewed intensity to the Kremlin offensive in the conflict in Ukraine, saying: “Ukraine is suffering aggression, but Europe has been the victim of Russia’s increased aggression since 24 February 2022.”.

While Europe, for its part, has assured, has not shown “aggressiveness” against Russia or its President, Vladimir Putin, who, in his opinion, “is increasing tension and going further” in the conflict.

In any case, he urged that the Kremlin be separated from the Russian people, after saying that he “is suffering from the imperialist and colonial decisions of Putin”, “with energy rationing, seeing 35,000 soldiers die on the front lines every month and watching the collapse of the economy”.

The Polish MNE, Radoslaw Sikorski, in turn, expressed his country's support for Germany in his reaction to the failed attack.

“We do not want our borders to be violated without consequences. We do not accept attacks on our railway infrastructure, we do not accept murders, nor other actions of this type ", insisted.

Sikorsky pointed out that “this type of terrorism” by Russia is a problem “for the whole Alliance”, referring to NATO.

“Putin Russia is one of the most significant threats to peace in Europe. This Russia threatens to destroy the European security architecture and intends to impose dominance on international relations rather than based on cooperation, and we must confront these ambitions,” he argued.

He therefore argued that, in view of the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, but also in Europe, the path to resolving conflicts must be “cooperation and appeasement”.

“ That is what we want and, in this context, cooperation between Europe and the United States is fundamental,” he added.

On Tuesday, Germany announced retaliation measures against Russia, after accusing it of sending in early August a drone loaded with explosives to Leipzig Airport, a fundamental military center for the German Army and NATO.

The drone was discovered in the area safely from cargo operations near several Ukrainian cargo planes, and a second drone struck a cargo plane from the DHL distribution company minutes later.

According to the German press, a third drone was subsequently found at the airport, also with traces of explosive substances.

Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, Germany and several other European states have regularly charged the Kremlin with destabilization, espionage and sabotage operations in their territories.