Merz prepares tough response to Russia after Leipzig airport drone incident
Following a foiled drone attack attempt on Leipzig/Halle airport, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is preparing a harsh response toward Russia, including new EU sanctions and action against Russia's shadow fleet, while the AfD urges caution without proof.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is preparing an unusually tough political response to Russia following a failed drone attack attempt on Leipzig/Halle airport. Under what could become a further "Zeitenwende," or turning point, plans reportedly include new, extensive European Union sanctions as well as targeted action against Russia's so-called shadow fleet — vessels used to circumvent existing sanctions.
This foreign policy approach is being shaped in the middle of a heated final stretch of election campaigning in Germany's eastern states, particularly Saxony-Anhalt, adding political sensitivity to the timing.
AfD calls for caution
In contrast to the government's stance, Markus Frohnmaier, foreign policy spokesperson for the Alternative for Germany (AfD), warns against rushing to blame Moscow without solid evidence. He accuses the federal government of applying double standards when assessing international acts of sabotage, and calls first for full transparency in the investigation rather than swift, harsh diplomatic measures.
Talks in the US as well
Meanwhile, Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil is attending the G20 meeting in North Carolina, where important negotiations are underway. Discussions there focus on the escalating trade dispute between the United States and Canada, rising government debt levels, and new calls for sanctions against Iran — issues that could also have direct implications for Germany's future course of action internationally.
