Merz Is Preparing A Strong Response To Moscow Over The Attack At Leipzig Airport

• 29.08.2026, 19:40

Next week could be a turning point.

The German government, led by Friedrich Merz, is likely preparing to publicly accuse Russia of the failed terrorist attack at Leipzig Airport and to impose a tough package of sanctions against Moscow.

This was reported by Welt am Sonntag and Politico, citing sources in the German government.

The article states that, based on these expectations, talk of a “turning point 2.0” has already begun in the German capital.

One of the key elements of the response is expected to be a new package of sanctions against Russia. The restrictions are expected to be imposed both at the German level and within the framework of the European Union. In addition, there may be an increase in arms deliveries to Ukraine.

An official announcement of the measures taken is expected early next week. The meeting of EU foreign ministers, scheduled for Tuesday in Ireland, is cited as a key milestone. However, the final decision rests with Merz.

Depending on how the situation develops and the position of the chancellor, a corresponding statement could be issued even sooner. Berlin is already preparing for a sharp reaction from Moscow and anticipates that the Russian side may take retaliatory measures.

To date, German authorities have publicly avoided directly accusing any specific country of involvement in the incident at Leipzig Airport. In particular, German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has spoken only of the possible involvement of “foreign powers.”

However, the tone of the German government’s statements is shifting. For example, in a recent interview with RTL, Merz stated that the federal government intends to name those responsible for the incident in the near future. “The federal government is setting a price for carrying out hybrid attacks. They will pay for this,” the head of government emphasized.