Berlin is preparing for a dramatic escalation of its relationship with Moscow. Citing reports from “Die Welt am Sonntag” and Politico-who spoke to three individuals familiar with the subject-the German government plans to hold Russia responsible for the attempted explosive drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport within the coming days and announce “comprehensive” countermeasures.
These measures are expected to involve a combination of direct actions by Germany alongside new European Union sanctions being prepared in Brussels. The announcement is slated for the beginning of next week, coinciding with the EU Foreign Ministers meeting in Ireland on Tuesday, though depending on the decision of Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU), it could be brought forward. No specific details have been disclosed.
The extent to which individual Russian figures or the Russian government itself will be held accountable remains unclear, though the planned sanctions are aimed at the latter. Berlin expects a strong reaction from Moscow and is preparing for corresponding steps from the Kremlin. A government spokesperson declined to either confirm or deny the reports, stating, “The Chancellery is not involved in speculation. Only the official attribution, which the Federal Government makes at its discretion and after weighing all findings, is relevant.”
The pending decision is also influenced by the discovery of a weapons depot near Berlin. Agents from the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) discovered an underground cache in a forest near Müggelsee. According to “Die Welt am Sonntag” referencing investigators, the hideout was more professional than previously known. The two semi-automatic weapons found were weatherproof and in pristine condition, accompanied by an unusual amount of ammunition. The primary suspect is 24-year-old Ukrainian Vadym S., who is alleged to be part of a group planning attacks across Europe under orders from Russian intelligence.
On the broader European level, a further extensive package of sanctions against Russia is currently being prepared. According to three EU diplomats quoted by “Die Welt am Sonntag” and Politico, this package is set to be discussed informally in Wicklow, Ireland, on Tuesday and Wednesday. One of the diplomats revealed that around 1,600 targets are currently being reviewed for sanctions, including 800 individuals and 800 Russian companies. The sanctions are anticipated to be adopted in mid-October.
Furthermore, the utilization of frozen Russian state bank assets is back in discussion, sources reported. Speaking to “Die Welt am Sonntag” and Politico, the first EU diplomat stated that Brussels is planning a significant increase in the current scope of sanctions. “The strategy consists of playing every card we have. We deploy every possible sanctions regime.”
