EU's Kallas labels Leipzig drone attack state-sponsored terrorism

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on Wednesday described a foiled drone attack on a German airport as "state-sponsored terrorism," as the bloc weighed its response to what officials are calling a dangerous escalation in Russian hybrid operations on European soil. The accusation came as EU foreign ministers gathered in Ireland for an informal meeting to discuss countermeasures. The incident in question occurred on August 4, when a drone laden with explosives was discovered near a Ukrainian aircraft at Leipzig-Halle Airport. The device was defused before detonation. On September 1, the German government formally attributed the attack to Russia, announcing a series of diplomatic and security measures in response. These included the closure of a Russian consulate in Bonn and a cultural center in Berlin, as well as summoning the Russian ambassador. "It is clear that it has all the hallmarks of state-sponsored terrorism," Kallas told reporters ahead of the ministerial meeting in Wicklow, Ireland.