germany

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed an 'Emergency Security Protocol' to coordinate EU responses to hybrid attacks, as NATO jets downed a drone over Lithuania and Germany received its first F-35. Meanwhile, EU sanctions extension remains stalled by Slovakia, and Russia plans super-prisons in occupied Kherson.

Sweden convenes its National Security Council after Germany formally blames Russia for the Leipzig drone incident, as a wave of sabotage targets European defence sites. Meanwhile, a Russian drone strike near the Polish border endangers Western officials traveling from Kyiv, underscoring a coordinated hybrid campaign to undermine support for Ukraine.

A NATO fighter jet shot down a suspected Russian drone over Lithuania on 15 September, part of a series of Russian provocations near NATO borders. The alliance has pledged more support for Ukraine, while the EU faces internal divisions over sanctions.

Russian drone strikes hit within 2 km of the Polish border on 13 September, targeting a train carrying Western politicians and a petrol station. Polish forces recovered a Russian-origin drone from the Baltic Sea the next day. NATO chief Mark Rutte pledged increased support for Ukraine, while the EU struggles to extend sanctions due to Slovak opposition.

Germany formally blamed Russia for a failed drone attack on Leipzig airport in August, prompting EU and NATO leaders to promise a stepped-up response. Meanwhile, the EU postponed a decision on extending individual sanctions against over 3,000 Russian entities due to Slovakia's opposition, as Brussels also dismissed a false Russian claim about mobilising Ukrainian women.

European gas prices hit €80/MWh on 9 Sept as Iran-US conflict blocks Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Ukrainian suspect Volodymyr Zhuravlev faces a new charge in the Nord Stream sabotage case, straining Germany-Ukraine ties. The two events highlight Europe's persistent energy vulnerabilities.

Recent polls show 56% of Germans are worried about Russia and over half support arming Ukraine. On September 8, Germany announced it would transfer PAC-2 missiles from its stocks, aligning with this public sentiment. The move underscores a shift in both German public opinion and government policy toward more active military support.

Sweden convened its National Security Council after Germany blamed Russia for a drone attack at Leipzig Airport carrying explosives. Prime Minister Kristersson said the incident is part of Russia's increasingly reckless hybrid campaign to undermine European support for Ukraine. This comes as Germany records over 165 suspected sabotage acts in 2026.

Russia has ordered the closure of all Goethe-Institut branches in the country in retaliation for Germany shutting two Russian diplomatic and cultural facilities. The escalation follows Germany's attribution of a hybrid drone attack at Leipzig airport to Moscow.