Germany Prepares Hardened Steps Against Russia: Merz

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz plans to accuse Russia of attempting sabotage at Leipzig Airport, where explosive-laden drones were discovered. This information is reported by Politico and Welt am Sonntag, citing their sources.

Merz is expected to make a statement regarding new sanctions against Moscow. According to media reports, this will be a combination of Germany's direct actions and corresponding EU sanctions, which are being developed in Brussels simultaneously.

One source indicated that following the incident in Leipzig involving drones, the expulsion of individual Russian diplomats or the cessation of operations at the 'Russian House' in Berlin is no longer sufficient. According to a source from the publication, more stringent measures are required, such as increased sanctions pressure or larger-scale military supplies to Ukraine.

Politico also emphasizes that Berlin has already begun preparing for a potential sharp backlash from Moscow.

Sources cited by the publication have characterized Germany's anticipated response as a 'second turning point' (Zeitenwende 2.0). This terminology was previously used by Chancellor Olaf Scholz to signal a radical reassessment of Berlin's policy towards Moscow following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.