+34
Germany has blamed Russia for sending an explosive-laden drone to a Leipzig airport used to send Ukraine military equipment
Nato secretary general Mark Rutte and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen at EU headquarters in Brussels on Wednesday. Photograph: Omar Havana/Getty Images“If the intention was to make us think twice about supporting Ukraine, I can tell you it has only strengthened my resolve,” European Commission presidentsecretary general Mark Rutte, von der Leyen argued the bloc must close “every loophole Russia exploits” and said her team is “looking at ways to cut deeper into Russia’s war chest.
” The EU executive also said countries are “going in the right direction” on Ukraine’s request to use a loan to buy US-made Patriot interceptor missiles, which are in short supply as Kyiv fends off mounting Russian air strikes.
‘I’m happily married with three young children - but loneliness has become a feature of my life’From devastation to pure love: Couple finds venue after hotel closes two days before wedding The response echoed the solidarity that numerous European countries tried to show on Wednesday, hours after Germany formally blamed Russia for sending an explosive-laden drone to a Leipzig airport used to send Ukraine military equipment. Officials described the moment as a dangerous escalation and numerous countries, including Belgium, France and the Netherlands, summoned Russia’s ambassador over the incident.
Russian president Vladimir Putin pushed back on the accusations on Tuesday night, saying the German government had blamed Moscow to try and buoy its sinking poll numbers. Russia’s foreign ministry also said on Telegram that it had summoned Germany’s envoy.
“I think this is another mistake, a grave mistake, and, in my view, it clearly runs counter to the interests of the German people,” he said. It is unclear whether more EU sanctions could effectively hinder Russia’s military ambitions. And Ukraine is facing rising budgetary needs just as European budgets are stretched thin. On the sanctions front, the EU’s next package is expected to target more than 1,600 companies, but Ukraine’s closest allies say much more is needed.
On the funding front, the EU appears close to an agreement to give Ukraine money from the European Peace Facility, a fund previously used to reimburse countries for weapons donations to Ukraine. But Ukraine has cautioned that its financial needs are still rising. On Tuesday, Ukrainian defence minister Evgeniy Khmara asked his EU counterparts to accelerate payments from the bloc’s €90 billion loan, which is scheduled to be paid out through 2026 and 2027.
Ukraine also wants to use that money to purchase the US-made Patriot interceptors it has relied on to repel Russian air strikes – a request that would require an exemption from rules meant to prioritise European purchases. EU countries will vote on the matter next Monday. Separately, several countries have revived a proposal to tap immobilised Russian assets to support Ukraine.
The idea gained traction late last year but ultimately stalled over opposition from Belgium, where most of the assets are located. Speaking in Ireland on Wednesday, Ukraine’s foreign minister Andrii Sybiha said it is time to start a “serious discussion about how we could use immobilised frozen assets.
”Iceland says no to EU membership talksHolly Cairns repays €8,500 in expenses mistakenly paid by Oireachtas during maternity leaveGP and elderly mother awarded €12,000 over Dundrum clinic receptionist’s ‘disrespectful’ conductTiger Woods handed five-year license suspension after no-contest plea
Russia North-Atlantic-Treaty-Organisation-Nato Mark-Rutte
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Met Éireann honours two pioneering Evelyns in new storm names list for 2026/2027Two Irish women named Evelyn who broke barriers in meteorology are among 21 names selected for the upcoming storm season, which begins this week and runs for a full calendar year.
Read more »
Irish Alumina Shipments to Russia Reach Record Highs Despite Ongoing ConflictIn the first half of 2025, the Aughinish Alumina plant in Co Limerick exported 422,474 tonnes of alumina to Russia, marking a significant increase in volume compared to the previous year. This suggests the plant is playing a critical role in supplying raw materials to Russian aluminium producers, despite the ongoing war in Ukraine and associated sanctions.
Read more »
Germany blames Russia for attempted drone attack at Leipzig airportThe German government has accused Russia of attempting to attack Leipzig-Halle airport with a drone carrying explosives, discovered near a Ukrainian cargo plane on August 4. In response, Germany ordered the closure of the Russian consulate in Bonn and the termination of the Russian House in Berlin, stating that the country is a target for further hybrid attacks by Russia.
Read more »
Russia Secretly Assists Iran in Developing Advanced Supersonic Cruise MissilesLeaked documents reveal a covert Russian program called C430L aimed at helping Iran develop ramjet-powered supersonic missiles to threaten US naval assets and bypass air defenses.
Read more »