EU to discuss Leipzig incident and new sanctions against Russia on 2 September

Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has announced that EU foreign ministers will discuss the attempted Russian drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport and new sanctions against Russia on Wednesday 2 September.

Source: European Pravda

Details: Kallas said that Germany and the EU's response to the incident in which a Russian drone carrying explosives was found at Leipzig Airport, as well as new sanctions against Russia, including a draft sanctions list of 1,600 individuals and entities, will be discussed at an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Wicklow, Ireland.

Quote: "First, of course, everybody will discuss the Leipzig attacks. And also, it is clear that it has all the hallmarks of state-sponsored terrorism. The question is, what do we do about this? We have already summoned the Russian ambassador… And we will discuss what more we can do."

Details: Kallas recalled that the European Commission is preparing to add 1,600 individuals and entities to its sanctions lists, all of which are directly linked to Russia's military-industrial complex.

"And maybe there are more to be added," the EU's chief diplomat announced.

Kallas noted that since today's meeting is informal, no decisions will be taken, but discussions will be held.

"It is clear that we need to coordinate what more we can do in this situation where Russia is escalating [the war in Ukraine] and really killing the civilians and causing as much harm as they can. So the discussion is how we can actually put more pressure on Russia so that they would end this war," Kallas stressed.

Background:

• On 1 September, Kallas announced the establishment of a high-level group comprising former political and military leaders of European countries, as well as Ukraine, to work on the EU's defence capabilities.
• Kallas also said that EU countries should provide Ukraine with the interceptor missiles it needs, including those nearing the end of their shelf life.
• Details of a new package of sanctions against Russia are also being discussed within the EU, with approximately 1,600 individuals and entities potentially facing inclusion on the sanctions lists.
• UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said European leaders were considering holding another meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in the US on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in September to raise the issue of supplying Ukraine with interceptor missiles for Patriot air defence systems.

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