Von der Leyen pledges response to Russian drone incident in Germany

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she stands in "full solidarity" with Germany after officials in Berlin formally attributed a high-profile drone incident to Russia at a press conference on Monday.

Von der Leyen said she would use a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on Wednesday to discuss the matter, with additional sanctions to be prepared by foreign ministers at an upcoming meeting.

"We will keep the EU united despite these escalating and serious acts," she said in a statement posted on social media platform X on Monday.

"The German government has taken strong measures. And the message is clear: hybrid attacks will not go without a clear response."

The “short notice” bilateral was confirmed by European Commission Chief Spokesperson Paula Pinho on Tuesday, who said the meeting would also occur in the context of Europe and NATO strengthening defence cooperation.

A NATO official told Euronews the meeting would centre mostly on how to deepen coordination against hybrid threats.

In the wake of the news from Germany, Rutte posted a similar statement on X, stating that NATO stands in full solidarity with Berlin and "the evidence is clear" that Russia was to blame.

"NATO will continue to strengthen our ability to deter and defend all Allies against any threat—including malign actions like those seen in Leipzig and elsewhere across the Alliance," he said.