The European Union is preparing sanctions against an additional 1,600 individuals and entities linked to Russia’s military sector after Germany accused Moscow of being behind a failed drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport. EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas called the incident state-sponsored terrorism and said the bloc was developing proposals to strengthen sanctions enforcement. Russia has denied involvement, with President Vladimir Putin alleging that evidence was planted. Three drones carrying explosives were found in and around the airport on August 4, temporarily disrupting air traffic. EU foreign ministers broadly supported barring former Russian military personnel from entering the bloc, while tighter visa restrictions for Russian tourists are also being considered. The EU says more than 3,000 Russian officials, oligarchs and companies have been sanctioned since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the airport incident as a new escalation on EU soil and said officials were examining how to cut deeper into Russia’s war chest. The effect of additional measures on the Ukraine conflict remains unclear as the war has largely become a war of attrition. Germany said a response had been carefully prepared, while Russia’s Foreign Ministry summoned Germany’s envoy and categorically rejected responsibility for the attack.