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Russia believed to be behind hybrid activities in Germany and Europe, minister says
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World news — Jakub Krupa
And, on that note, we will be closing the blog for today .
The German government has blamed Russia for the drone attack on Leipzig airport last month, calling it “dangerous behaviour” and part of a systematic and concerted effort by Moscow to “cause great damage” through hybrid attacks in Europe ( 17:41 ).
German foreign and interior ministers said the attempted attack fitted a broader pattern of Russian behaviour across Europe ( 17:38 ), warning Germany is “not at war, but we are a daily target of hybrid warfare” ( 17:43 ).
Berlin ordered Russia to close its remaining consulate in Bonn and its Russian House of Science and Culture in Berlin as part of a package of retaliatory measures ( 17:46 , 19:19 ).
The ministers also insisted Germany will continue its support for Ukraine ( 17:49 ).
In a coordinated show of support, Nato, EU and national leaders rallied behind Germany, joining in condemning Moscow’s hybrid attacks in Europe ( 17:50 , 17:53 , 18:00 , 18:01 , 18:09 , 18:32 , 18:37 , 18:52 , 18:54 , 19:24 , 19:25 ).
Russia’s foreign ministry said it would respond to “all anti-Russian actions” in due course ( 18:14 ).
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen will hold talks with Nato’s secretary general Mark Rutte on Wednesday to discuss this issue, among others ( 12:17 ), while EU ministers are set to hold talks in Ireland.
Related: Germany blames Russia for drone attack at Leipzig airport
Several devices – believed to be in “double digits” – were found near a power substation in the eastern region of Brandenburg in what investigators believe was an attempt to cause a power outage in the region ( 14:38 , 16:57 , 17:15 , 17:26 ).
At least 12 people were killed in Russian overnight attacks on Ukraine with “dozens” more injured ( 9:52 , 10:34 ).
Related: Russia kills at least 12 on sixth night of drone attacks on Kyiv
King Haakon VIII swore an oath of allegiance before Norway’s parliament in the first major stage in the passing of the crown since the death of his father after 35 years on the throne ( 12:39 , 12:59 , 13:01 , 13:09 , 13:13 , 13:15 , 13:20 , 13:32 ).
Related: Norway’s new king swears oath of allegiance with daughter at his side
If you have any tips, comments or suggestions, email me at jakub.krupa@theguardian.com.
I am also on Bluesky at @jakubkrupa.bsky.social and on X at @jakubkrupa.
UK 'stands in full solidarity' with Germany, Burnham says
Britain’s prime minister Andy Burnham also offered his support for Germany.
“The United Kingdom stands in full solidarity with Germany following Russia’s egregious and reckless attack in Leipzig.
Russian attempts to undermine our united resolve and our willingness to support Ukraine are futile and doomed to fail.
As I made clear in Kyiv last week, our commitment to supporting Ukraine from Russia’s illegal invasion is ironclad.
The strong measures taken by the German government show action against any attack of this nature will be met with a clear response.
We will not waver in our resolve to deter attacks on our freedom and security.”
'Russia considers itself at war with Europe, even if Europe does not see itself at war with Russia,' Ukraine's FM warns
Ukraine’s foreign minister Andrii Sybiha warned that “Russia’s hybrid attack at the Leipzig airport is part of its aggressive strategy toward Germany and the rest of Europe.”
“Acts of sabotage, disinformation, election meddling, espionage, attack on critical infrastructure and industrial facilities. These are not incidents, but part of Russia’s deliberate strategy. And they cannot go unpunished, because this will only fuel the aggressor’s appetite. We express solidarity with Germany and call for strong responses to Russia’s brazen actions, including additional sanctions.”
He added that “ Europe needs a decisive strategy to counter Russian threats , especially ahead of next year’s elections throughout Europe.”
“Ukraine stands ready to share its vast experience and protect Euro-Atlantic stability. The reality is that Russia considers itself at war with Europe. Even if Europe does not see itself at war with Russia. Supporting Ukraine and increasing pressure on Russia are the best responses to Leipzig and other similar incidents.”
The Bonn consulate – which will now have to close by 18 September – is Russia’s last remaining consular post in Germany, aside from its embassy in Berlin.
It’s t he latest escalation in diplomatic relations between the two countries.
In 2023, the German foreign ministry revoked the licences for four other Russian consulates in Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich and Leipzig, after Moscow moved to cap the number of German officials allowed in Russia and Germany had to shut its own consulates in Kaliningrad, Ekaterinburg, and Novosibirsk.
At the moment, Germany still has two diplomatic outposts in Russia: its main embassy in Moscow and its last remaining consulate in St Petersburg. It also has three honorary consults in Kazan, Saratov and Vladivostok, its website shows.
Following today’s decision, it’s probably not entirely unreasonable to suspect Russia may target that St Petersburg post as part of its response.
A big question now: will Donald Trump also join allies in condemning Russia’s actions?
And if he doesn’t, should it be read as in any way significant when judging the US commitment to Nato and its Article Five?
'The security of our allies is the security of us all,' Meloni says as she backs Germany's measures against Russia
Italy’s prime minister Giorgia Meloni also throws her support behind Germany’s actions.
“Italy stands in full solidarity with Germany after the Russian hybrid attack in Leipzig.
The security of our Allies is the security of us all. Attempts to intimidate us or to drive a wedge between Allies will not succeed: hybrid actions against any one of us are a matter of concern for all of us, and will be met with a united response.
At times like this, it is essential to remain steadfast, to keep working closely together, and to maintain a credible posture of deterrence in defence of our citizens’ security.”
'Russia must stop its war ... instead of escalating,' EU's Costa says
European Council president António Costa is the latest European leader to offer solidarity with Germany and condemn Russia’s actions.
“We condemn in the strongest possible terms Russia’s attempted drone attack at Leipzig Airport. Russia must stop its war of aggression against Ukraine, instead of escalating.
The EU stands in full solidarity with Germany.
The EU remains strong and united and Russia will not prevail. Our support to Ukraine is unwavering. We will work with Germany and other Member States to ramp up the pressure on Russia until it shows a willingness to change course.”
Hungary 'deeply concerned by growing number and intensity of Russian hybrid activities,' minister says
Hungarian deputy prime minister and foreign minister Anita Orbán said that Budapest is “deeply concerned by the growing number and intensity of Russian hybrid activities on European soil.”
“Recent incidents in Germany demonstrate an increasingly dangerous and reckless pattern of behaviour that poses a serious threat to European security and resilience.
Hungary stands in full solidarity with Germany and is ready to support our partner in countering hybrid threats.
In the face of these challenges, strengthening the resilience, unity and collective preparedness of the European Union and Nato is more important than ever.”
'Russia will not win this war,' Poland's Tusk says
Poland’s prime minister Donald Tusk is the latest leader to comment on Germany’s move to name Russia as responsible for the Leipzig attack.
“Poland, the Baltic states, Romania, and now Germany. Russia is escalating tension across the whole region. We’ll not be intimidated and our response will be our continued support for Ukraine and full coordination of NATO states against the aggressor. Russia will not win this war. ”
Moscow to 'respond to all anti-Russian actions,' foreign ministry says
Russian foreign ministry told Interfax news agency that Russia “will respond to all anti-Russian actions” after Germany’s move to publicly blame Moscow for last month’s Leipzig drone attack.
Several other EU leaders have issued their versions of the statement, which in many parts are almost exactly the same.
Sweden’s Ulf Kristersson says he will chair a meeting of the National Security Council tomorrow to discuss Stockholm’s response to the incident.
“We are united, and we will continue to stand up for our ally and neighbour,” he says.
Lithuania’s president Gitanas Nausėda also says he assured chancellor Merz of Vilnius’s “full solidarity.”
“The strong measures taken by the German government show: Hybrid action against any one of us will be met with a clear response. Anyone who attacks us will pay a price,” he says.
'We know the Russian playbook,' Finland's Stubb says, as he warns Moscow 'will not succeed'
Finland’s influential president Alexander Stubb also joins in, warning Moscow that “we know the Russian playbook.”
“ Finland stands in full solidarity with its ally Germany after the Russian hybrid attack in Leipzig.
We know the Russian playbook. It attempts to intimidate us, to undermine our resolve and our willingness to support Ukraine in its defense against Russia’s invasion. It will not succeed.
We will stand united and deter anyone from attacking our freedom and security.
As the strong measures announced by the German government show, any action against any one of us will be met with a clear response.
Our commitment to supporting Ukraine in its defence against Russia’s aggression is unwavering.
I continue to be in close touch with Chancellor Merz and other Allies.”
EU ministers to discuss next steps tonight and tomorrow, Poland's Sikorski says
Poland’s foreign minister Radosław Sikorski also backs Germany’s statement and says EU foreign ministers will discuss the next steps during their meeting in Ireland tonight and tomorrow.
“Poland stands foursquare behind every ally attacked by Russia’s hybrid war. In this case, full solidarity with Germany. Looking forward to discussing collective countermeasures at the Gymnich meeting in Ireland tonight and tomorrow.”
Sikorski has a history with closing down Russian consulates in response to what Poland said were Russian-inspired acts of sabotage in Poland.
Related: Poland closes last Russian consulate after ‘act of state terrorism’ on railway
Not unexpected, but big moment as Germany formally blames Russia for Leipzig drone attack - snap analysis
This is not unexpected – there has been strong suspicions about Russia’s involvement in the Leipzig incident from the very first day – but it still is a very significant development.
There’s no tip-toeing around the issue, or attempts to soften the tone: Germany directly names Russia as the party responsible for the attempted drone attack on a Ukrainian cargo plane at Leipzig airport, and follows this up with direct actions regarding the Russian consulate in Bonn and the Russian House in Berlin, and a promise of further sanctions.
It’s also notable that the ministers were very clear that Russian actions will not change their determination to support Ukraine against Moscow’s aggression.
'Hybrid attacks will not go without a clear response,' EU's von der Leyen says
In what is very clearly a coordinated effort, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has also backed the German conclusions about the Leipzig incident.
“This morning I spoke with Chancellor Merz to discuss the hybrid attack at Leipzig airport.
I assured him that the EU stands in full solidarity with Germany in the face of this attack by Russia.
We will keep the EU united despite these escalating and serious acts. The German government has taken strong measures. And the message is clear: hybrid attacks will not go without a clear response.
We are united in our resolve to stand against Russian aggression. We will deter anyone who seeks to undermine our freedom and security.
Russia is seeking to sow distrust and fear among our societies. But it will fail. And we will stand by Ukraine for as long as it takes.
I will discuss this topic tomorrow with Nato secretary general Rutte. And the matter, including additional sanctions, will be prepared by Foreign Ministers at their upcoming meeting under the Irish Presidency.”
'Evidence is clear,' Nato's Rutte welcomes Germany's move to attribute Leipzig attack to Russia
Nato secretary general Mark Rutte has just said the “evidence is clear” after Germany attributed the last month’s attempted Leipzig attack to Russia.
“I welcome the measures announced by Germany in response,” he said .
Rutte added that “ 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.”
“ Russia’s attempts to intimidate us, to undermine our unity and our willingness to support Ukraine are futile and will fail. Our support to Ukraine is unwavering, as is our ironclad commitment to Nato’s collective defence.”
Germany to continue support for Ukraine despite Russian hybrid threats, minister says
Wadephul says Germany coordinates closely with Nato and EU partners.
He also says Germany will “continue its civil and military support for Ukraine.”
He confirms the Russian ambassador has been summoned to be told about these decisions.
Wadephul says “we will not allow Russia’s attacks to divide us or intimidate us.”
The ministers end their press conference without taking questions.
Germany to order Russian consulate in Bonn, Russian House in Berlin to close
Germany’s foreign minister Johann Wadephul says Russian actions “fit into a long series of attempts at destabilisation, disinformation, threats, sabotage and aggression directed at Europe.”
He says that Russia regrettably shows no willingness to end its war against Ukraine and seek reconciliation with the west.
He says that the Russian consulate in Bonn will be closed in retaliation for the attack, as will the Russian House of Science and Culture in Berlin.
Germany will also push for stronger sanctions against Russia, entry controls for Russian citizens, and increased pressure on the so-called shadow fleet.
'We are not at war, but we are a daily target of hybrid warfare,' minister warns
Dobrindt says that Germany sees the Leipzig incident “not in isolation, but as a part of a broader context of hybrid actions.”
He says the government expects that Germany will remain a target for further Russian hybrid attacks, including attempts to inflict significant damage.
He says the government “recognises a clear need for an appropriate and necessary response.”
“Let me be clear: we are not at war, but we are a daily target of hybrid warfare.”
Germany directly blames Russia for attempted drone attack at Leipzig airport
Dobrindt says specifically that “ the means used to carry out the act” of sabotage in Leipzig - and he lists the drone’s configuration, various components used and explosives - “are known to us from other hybrid operations conducted by Russia and its war against Ukraine.”
He says “the attempted attack at Leipzig Airport on 4 August fits the established pattern of Russian hybrid operations in Europe.”
He concludes directly that “the German government therefore concludes that Russia is responsible for the hybrid attack in Leipzig on 4 August.”
Just as Dobrindt and Wadephul are briefing the press, the Russian ambassador to Germany is entering the foreign ministry in Berlin, Reuters is reporting.
Russia believed to be behind hybrid activities in Germany and Europe, minister says
German interior minister Alexander Dobrindt opens the press conference.
He says what he is about to say has been extensively consulted with the government’s National Security Council and the cabinet, including the chancellor, Friedrich Merz.
He says that German security agencies have been monitoring “a high level of threat” through hybrid activities in Germany and the wider European region for some time.
He says that findings from Germany’s intelligence services and partners point to Russia’s involvement.
German ministers brief media on last month's drone incident at Leipzig airport
The German government’s press conference on the Leipzig drone incident is about to start.
Just as explained earlier ( 14:38 ), it’s important to acknowledge we do not really know who could be behind the attempt to disrupt the Brandenburg power substation, so it’s responsible not to speculate at this stage.
But expect this questions to be asked a lot in the coming hours and days.
Former Lithuanian foreign minister Gabrielius Landsbergis seems to have a view on this as he mockingly responded to a post on the Brandenburg incident on X, saying :
“How many times can Russia attack Europe and still remain ‘innocent until proven guilty’? This question will be discussed at the next meeting of the Coalition of the Prevaricating, to be held in the coming weeks and months, say sources.”
Just a reminder that separately from today’s incident in Brandenburg, we are also waiting for an update from the German government on the Leipzig drone incident last month.
It is widely expected that they will formally attribute the incident to Russia. Let’s see.
Foreign minister Johann Wadephul and interior minister Alexander Dobrindt are expected to address the media in the next 10 to 20 minutes.
'Double-digit' devices involved in attempt to disrupt Brandenburg power station, authorities say
Jan Redmann, interior minister in the German state of Brandenburg, is now briefing the press on the incident at the power substation.
He says that the incident involved several attempts to short-circuit the grid and cause a blackout, which worked in two places, but failed in “several other” cases.
He doesn’t offer more detail on what it exactly was, with German media reports claiming the devices may have involved explosives or fireworks.
He says he cannot give an exact number of devices involved in the incident - but says they are in “double digits” - as the site is still being searched.
He says the fact that there was no power outage shows that “numerous precautions” in the system worked as intended.
Stefan Kapferer, CEO of the grid operator 50Hertz, also focuses on the fact there attempt to disrupt the substation’s operation was unsuccessful.
But he also says such incidents must be treated “seriously,” and says the operator will “work closely with security agencies in the future again,” as he says that “such teamwork as experienced today must function like that in the future as such threats unfortunately will become more frequent.”
CEO of energy produced LEAG Adi Roesch said one block in the power plant switched off as a result of the incident, but suffered no damage. Engineers are working on restarting it this evening, he said.
Over in Germany, Dietmar Woidke – premier of Brandenburg state, where the incident took place – condemned the targeting of the power lines.
“ We take attacks on our critical infrastructure very seriously, ” he said in a statement quoted by AFP, adding there was a “worryingly high frequency” of such episodes.
“Anyone who tries to sabotage our critical infrastructure and paralyse society is attacking all of us. But we will not allow ourselves to be blackmailed or intimidated by criminal activity.”
Kallas also offers a strong endorsement for further help to Ukraine, as she says:
“Every interceptor we provide to Ukraine means a Russian missile that does not reach a Ukrainian school, home or hospital. And every support we give to Ukraine strengthens European security.”
EU will not let Russia 'scare us away from supporting Ukraine,' Kallas says
Meanwhile, EU’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas is speaking from Wicklow, Ireland just now, briefing the press after today’s meeting of defence ministers.
She says Russia’s war is “becoming more ruthless and destructive” and “not closer to ending,” but insists t he EU will not allow Moscow to use its hybrid attacks to “scare us away from supporting Ukraine” – quite the opposite.
Russia’s war is becoming more ruthless and destructive , but it’s unfortunately not closer to ending. Russia’s army is bogged down on the ground, and that is why they are killing civilians from the skies. And this is terror by design in the Black Sea. Russian strikes on grain ships are deliberately putting global food supplies at risk.
Russia is also hitting Europe with a wave of increasingly kinetic hybrid attacks. With this, Russia wants to scare us away from supporting Ukraine. They will not succeed. To the contrary, today also the discussions that we had, we will increase our support to Ukraine and invest in our own defence.
This is the best way to stop Putin. We are also planning the most far reaching sanctions against Russia.”
She says Ukraine is militarily “putting Russia under pressure.”
The German government’s press conference on the Leipzig incident is expected around 5.30pm local time (4.30pm UK).
Related: Germany poised to identify suspect in Leipzig drone attack on Ukrainian plane
A police spokesperson told AFP that at least one of the devices detonated but others failed to go off , she said, adding that no one was hurt and there was no major blackout in the area, about 100 kilometres (60 miles) southeast of Berlin.
German police investigating reported explosives at Brandenburg power substation
As reported earlier, we are expecting to hear from the German government later this afternoon, formally blaming Russia for the recent attempted drone attack at Leipzig airport ( 10:17 ).
But in the meanwhile, German police are investigating some explosives found at a power substation in Turnow-Preilack in Brandenburg, near the coal-fired Jänschwalde power plant.
“Evidence is being secured,” a police spokesperson told German news agency DPA . “Bomb disposal experts are on site.”
Some damage to a power line was discovered this morning, Die Welt said . Local media outlet Märkische Allgemeine reported that explosives had been found and defused at the scene, but police insisted there was no danger to the public.
Investigators believe the explosives were intended to cause a widespread power outage, but network operator 50Hertz told MAZ that there was only a “brief interruption” to its services.
It further told Reuters that “as yet unidentified perpetrators are believed to have caused damage to several power lines in 50Hertz’s transmission grid.”
As often with breaking news story, it’s important to remember that we do not know anything about who could be behind this incident and it may well be a very different story to the Leipzig incident.
Handesblatt noted that in January a group of suspected left-wing extremists set fire to and short-circuited power lines near a different plant in southwest Berlin.
King Harald’s funeral will be held on 9 September at Oslo Cathedral, and he will be laid to rest in the royal mausoleum at Akershus Fortress in Oslo.
The funeral is likely to attract lots of foreign dignitaries and leaders.
Starting from today, members of the public will be able to pay their last respects to him by visiting the palace chapel, where his body is lying in state.
Leaving the parliament, King Haakon VIII is warmly welcomed by gathered on-lookers with applause as he returns to the royal palace.
After the speeches, the Norwegian parliament sings Norway’s royal anthem “Kongesangen,” or the King’s Song, which as you may have noticed shares the same melody with Britain’s “God Save the King.”
With Queen Mette-Marit absent from today’s ceremony due to health issues ( 11:02 ), the King is accompanied by Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, the heir apparent to the Norwegian throne.
Norwegian parliament’s president Masud Gharahkhani is now delivering a speech paying tribute to the late King Harald, saying that for many he was “an unwavering defender of our constitution and democratic government” and “a symbol of security, continuity and community.”
He ends the speech asking lawmakers to observe a minute of silence to the late King.
Norwegian King Haakon takes oath of loyalty in parliament
And just like that, King Haakon has just delivered the required oath.
In another ceremonial passage, he also confirmed that he will adopt his father’s motto for his reign: “All for Norway.”
The monarchy remains broadly popular: 72% of Norwegians support it, while 20% favour a republic or another form of government , according to a Norstat poll for broadcaster NRK published on Tuesday, the first poll on the issue taken since Harald’s death, Reuters reported.
King Haakon has now arrived at the Norwegian parliament, and the formal ceremony should get under way very shortly.
As required by the constitution, the King will declare:
“I promise and swear to rule the Kingdom of Norway in accordance with its constitution and laws, so help me God the Almighty and All-knowing.“
Haakon formally became king the moment his father died, but Norway’s constitution still requires him to take an oath of loyalty to the nation’s constitution – and this is what is going to happen today.
Prime minister Jonas Gahr Støre is in attendance, as are many other senior Norwegian leaders and diplomats.
New Norwegian King's swearing-in ceremony in parliament about to get under way - live stream
If you want to keep an eye on the swearing-in ceremony of the new Norwegian King Haakon VIII, we now have a live stream up and running here:
Russia criticises Italy's 'ridiculous' decision to appoint ex Ukrainian defence minister Fedorov as adviser
Russia has described as “ridiculous” the Italian government’s decision to appoint Ukraine’s former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov as the country’s innovation adviser at the defence ministry.
“This is a perfect example of how western countries use Ukraine and Ukrainians, ” said the Russian foreign ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova.
“While ordinary citizens are being mobilised and sent to the trenches in Ukraine to face certain death, the managers of the Kyiv regime are turning military defeats into personal international contracts – and they are not ashamed of it.”
Italy’s defence minister, Guido Crosetto, disclosed the offer shortly after Fedorov was dismissed in July, praising him as a driving force behind military innovation who had helped Ukraine regain the initiative in its war against Russia.
“I understand that they would prefer decisions concerning Italy to be taken by someone who checks with Moscow first, but for the time being that is still not the case,” Crosetto told Ansa in response. “ We make decisions thinking only about Rome, not Moscow, Kyiv or Washington. ”
Fedorov, 35, was fired six months after his appointment, having initiated reforms around procurement and mobilisation that put him on a collision course with the military establishment and political rivals.
In a post on X, Fedorov thanked Crosetto for “his personal support” and for the offer to serve as his adviser.
“In this role, I will assist Italy in adopting modern warfare technologies, enhancing its defence sector, and adapting to emerging global security challenges,” he said.
EU's von der Leyen to meet Nato's Rutte on Wednesday
Over in Brussels, the European Commission is just starting its first midday briefing of the autumn.
It opens with an announcement that Commission president Ursula von der Leyen will receive Nato’s Mark Rutte tomorrow. This comes amid growing scrutiny of Russia’s activities on the eastern flank.
I will keep an eye on more lines coming from that briefing for you.
Ukrainian PM urges lawmakers to speed up key legislation to secure necessary funding
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s prime minister Sergii Koretskyi called on lawmakers on Tuesday to speed up voting on key legislation to help secure necessary financing for Ukraine , as the country is facing a $27bn deficit for defence.
Koretskyi added that his government would audit the needs of the defence ministry, Reuters said.
Back to Germany and the Leipzig incident last month, we now have a confirmation that we will hear from the country’s interior and foreign ministers later today on the attempted Leipzig drone incident, believed to be linked to Russia ( 10:17 ).
Speaking on a foreign visit to Algiers, German foreign minister Johann Wadephul said “ Germany will not be intimidated in any way, and that will continue to be the fundamental stance of our policy.”
“Russia must know that Germany is a stabilising force in Europe, one that is always prepared to negotiate, but which will not be intimidated in any way,” he said in comments reported by German news agency DPA.
I will make sure to keep an eye on this for you.
Norwegian Queen Mette-Marit to skip swearing-in ceremony today owing to health issues
Over in Norway, we are waiting for the swearing-in ceremony of King Haakon, which should get under way in the next hour or so.
But the Norwegian media just reported that Queen Mette-Marit – who has recently come under scrutiny over scandals including a much-criticised association with the late US child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein – will not attend the ceremony owing to complications after her lung transplant in mid-June.
Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra will be there, though.
There is an interesting back story to today’s meeting of EU defence ministers in Wicklow, with the Irish Times reporting that a British warship and a helicopter designed to hunt submarines have been deployed off the coast of Ireland, just outside Irish territorial waters, in a bid to keep the meeting secure.
The move was needed as the Irish Defence Forces lack the capability to conduct long-range air defence operations , the Irish Times said.
UK foreign secretary Ed Miliband is also expected to join the meeting, the paper said, although it is understood that he will join the Gymnich meeting of foreign ministers, not the defence setting.
Ireland’s approach to defence has drawn close scrutiny in recent weeks given the country holds the EU’s rotating presidency.
Related: Is Ireland’s unprotected ocean the weak link in European defence?
Russia launched more than 2,800 jet-powered drones at Ukraine in August, Kyiv says
Russia launched more than 2,800 harder-to-shoot-down jet-powered drones at Ukraine in August, Ukraine’s air force spokesperson Yuriy Ihnat said on Tuesday.
Their interception rate was lower compared with other types of drones, at around 60%, Ihnat told Ukrainian television in comments reported by Reuters.
Germany to formally blame Russia for attempted Leipzig drone attack today - reports
Separately, we are picking up reports in the German press that Germany is set to formally blame Russia for last month’s failed drone attack on a Ukrainian cargo plane in Leipzig.
Bild newspaper says the German interior and foreign ministers are set to announce the results of their investigation into the incident later today. This is yet to be formally confirmed by any of the ministries involved.
Over the weekend, German chancellor Friedrich Merz sort of suggested that a formal response from the government was coming soon, but did not go into the details.
On behalf of the Irish presidency in the EU Council, Ireland’s defence minister Helen McEntee said the talks in Wicklow come “at a moment of profound challenge for all of us in terms of defence and security,” with closer cooperation needed “more than ever.”
Ukraine, maritime security, and resilience against hybrid and cyber threats will be top of the agenda today, she says.
Opening the meeting, EU’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said today’s talks in Ireland will primarily focus on the EU’s support for Ukraine, with further discussions on other current affairs, including maritime security and Lebanon.
She said that Nato remained “the cornerstone of our security,” but with the US urging its European partners to “assume greater responsibility for their own defence,” there is more scope for internal discussions.
She urged ministers to “challenge the conventional thinking to look beyond simply doing more of the same,” and look for ways in which Europe can innovate and offer new capabilities.
Curiously, Kallas also said she would be forming “a high-level group of former political and military leaders from several EU countries , but also the UK and Ukraine, to have a fresh look at how to respond to current and increasing, very real, military threats.”
Morning opening: 12 killed in latest round of Russian attacks on Ukraine
At least 12 people, including an Indian citizen, were killed in overnight Russian attacks on Ukraine with “dozens” more injured, the country’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
Zelenskyy said the Russian strikes also left “thousands” of families without electricity in the Odesa region, and a border crossing with Romania “deliberately damaged.”
Over the last few days, Ukraine suffered a series of prolonged Russian attacks, including daytime bombing , in the latest attempt to “wear down” the war-torn country. Kyiv has now been targeted for six consecutive days.
Related: Kyiv suffers hours of daytime air raids as Russia deploys new jet-powered drones
The issue of Russian threat will no doubt also come up during an informal meeting of EU defence ministers in Wicklow, Ireland, with some suggestions that Germany could be close to attributing last month’s Leipzig incidents to Russia.
Related: Germany poised to identify suspect in Leipzig drone attack on Ukrainian plane
A number of other countries also saw incidents believed to be linked with Russia, including a suspected arson of a drone factory in Poland on Sunday night. Both Estonia and Latvia briefly activated their air alert systems on Tuesday amid reports of drones near their airspace.
In other news, over in Norway, King Haakon VIII will take his oath in the Norwegian parliament following the death of his father, King Harald. I will keep an eye on that, too.
It’s Tuesday, 1 September 2026 , it’s Jakub Krupa here, and this is Europe Live .
The German government has blamed Russia for the drone attack on Leipzig airport last month, calling it “dangerous behaviour” and part of a systematic and concerted effort by Moscow to “cause great damage” through hybrid attacks in Europe ( 17:41 ).
This report is published with credit to theguardian.com. Full available text from the wire is above. Read on theguardian.com →
Source: theguardian.com · Jakub Krupa. Published 1 Sept 2026, 06:02 pm.
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