Von der Leyen: Russian drone incidents in Europe mark a new era of security threats

Russian drone incidents in Europe have become the “new normal,” marking a further escalation of Russian activity on EU territory, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

Von der Leyen said an attack at Leipzig Airport, if fully carried out, could have caused significant damage and potentially resulted in loss of life.

“Europeans are facing the harsh truth that this is the new normal. The EU must respond to Russia’s recklessness faster and better. Europeans must consider everyday infrastructure as targets on the front line and protect it accordingly. We are in a new era of European security,” von der Leyen said.

Rutte, for his part, said Russia had become “increasingly reckless” as it continues its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, adding that the threat is now extending to European and NATO territory.

Rutte said that if Russia believes Europe and NATO will become divided or stop supporting Ukraine in response to the latest threats, “they are wrong.”