Germany Prepares Hard Response to Russia After Leipzig Drone Incident

Citing Politico, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is expected to announce new measures against Moscow as early as next week after a drone carrying explosives was discovered near a Ukrainian aircraft at Leipzig airport. The discovery has intensified pressure on the German government to respond to suspected hybrid attacks linked to Russia.

The exact shape of the sanctions remains unclear, and no final decision has been announced. According to Politico sources, symbolic steps such as expelling diplomats or closing the Russian House in Berlin are no longer considered adequate by German officials. More serious options are reportedly under discussion, ranging from tighter sanctions against Moscow to expanded weapons deliveries to Ukraine.

Merz framed the response in forceful terms: "The government will make the perpetrators of hybrid attacks pay. They will pay for this." The statement signals a sharpened German line toward Moscow and suggests that Berlin may move beyond limited diplomatic reprisals toward broader punitive measures against those it holds responsible.