Kallas summons Russian EU envoy over Leipzig drone incident

European Union foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas said on September 2 that she had summoned Russia’s acting permanent representative to the EU over a drone incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport.

“We have already summoned Russian ambassadors, so have also many Member States, and we will discuss what more can we do,” Kallas said as she arrived for an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers at the Druids Glen resort in Ireland, Caliber.Az reports.

Kallas said it was “clear” that Russia was involved in the incident but declined to provide further details until German authorities identify those they believe were responsible.

She said Russia was becoming increasingly provocative and questioned what further measures could be taken to deter Moscow from escalating tensions.

The comments followed Germany’s decision to hold Russia responsible for what Berlin described as an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport on August 4.

German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said on September 1 that the federal government had concluded that Russia was responsible for the incident and described it as a hybrid attack.

Berlin subsequently announced several measures against Russia, including the closure of the Russian Consulate General in Bonn on September 18, the termination of an agreement governing the Russian House in Berlin and tighter entry controls for Russian citizens.

Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected Germany’s accusations, calling the measures another "serious mistake" by the German authorities and saying they were contrary to the interests of the German people.

“But where is the proof? Well, the proof has been planted,” Putin told reporters in Kyrgyzstan.

By Sabina Mammadli