Putin issues ‘veiled threat’ to UK over support for Ukraine

The European Union (EU) and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) have vowed to increase pressure on Russia following what Germany described as a Russian drone attack on Leipzig airport.
European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen said the incident represented a “new escalation” on European Union territory and accused Russia of becoming increasingly reckless in its activities across Europe.
“Leipzig marks a new escalation on European Union soil directly attributed to Russia,” she said.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte expressed full solidarity with Germany, saying the alliance was prepared to respond to growing threats linked to Russia.
Germany said a drone carrying explosives deliberately targeted a Ukrainian cargo plane at Leipzig/Halle airport on 4 August. The drone was defused by a robot, while a second drone reportedly collided with another cargo aircraft.
A third drone was found at the airport 10 days later.
German authorities said police investigations and intelligence assessments had established that Russia was behind the incidents. They said the drone’s components, explosives and detonator were consistent with equipment previously linked to Russian hybrid operations.
Russia has rejected the accusations and said Germany had provided no evidence to support its claims.
Germany has responded by announcing the closure of the Russian consulate in Bonn and the Russian House cultural institution in Berlin. Moscow has threatened to respond with similar measures.
EU foreign ministers are discussing further sanctions against Russia, including measures targeting the so-called “shadow fleet” of ships used to transport Russian oil and other goods while avoiding sanctions.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said European countries could take action against the fleet, while ministers from France,…