EU moves to tighten measures against Russia amid hybrid attacks
Berlin, Sept 2 (KUNA) -- German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Wednesday that European Union foreign ministers discussed ways to strengthen the EU’s common position and tighten measures in response to Russian hybrid attacks, alongside continuing support for Ukraine, during an informal meeting in the Irish town of Wexford.
In a statement, Wadephul said the incident at Halle-Leipzig airport was part of a long series of attempts to destabilize, mislead, sabotage, and aggress against Europe, emphasizing the need for the EU to respond to these threats in a unified manner. He noted that European foreign ministers were considering imposing sanctions and adding new individuals and entities to sanction lists to increase pressure on Russia. He welcomed the package of measures proposed by the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, which includes listing individuals and institutions for sanctions, and called for expediting the review and adoption of the proposals as soon as possible.
This follows accusations by German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt yesterday that Russia was behind the attack on the airport on August 4. Germany announced countermeasures, including the closure of the Russian Consulate General in Bonn in western Germany, the Russian Cultural Center in Berlin, and the recall of the Russian ambassador to the German capital, among other steps.
Regarding Ukraine, Wadephul warned that Kyiv faces a difficult new winter amid continued intense Russian attacks on civilian targets and critical infrastructure. He said the priority in European consultations was how to expand European and international support for Ukraine, particularly in air defense, protecting grain exports, and preparing for the winter. The German minister, who visited Kyiv and Kharkiv about two weeks ago, said his visit again highlighted the urgent need to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense capabilities, calling on all EU member states to reassess their contributions and determine what additional support they can provide to Ukraine. (End)
