European Commission President says incidents involving Russian drones have become the norm in Europe

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said that incidents such as last month’s sabotage involving Russian drones in Germany have become the norm, signalling an increase in Russian activity within the EU, Euronews reported.

“The Leipzig incident has triggered a new level of tension in the European Union that is directly linked to Russia, but it is part of a broader pattern of incidents that are becoming increasingly dangerous,” von der Leyen said during a joint press conference with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Brussels.

“Europeans are facing a harsh reality: this is the new reality. The EU must respond more quickly and effectively to Russia’s recklessness,” von der Leyen said.

Earlier, a drone equipped with an explosive device was discovered near one of the runways at Leipzig/Halle Airport. It was neutralised using a bomb disposal robot.

German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said that the attempted sabotage at Leipzig Airport was part of Russia’s hybrid war against Ukraine’s European allies.