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Germany is pushing for a Baltic Sea rapid-response task force to counter Russian hybrid warfare, including a drone attack on Leipzig/Halle Airport and sabotage threats.

As summer temperatures in Europe smashed records this summer and many politicians shifted to holiday mode, Russia remained focused on its war. Not only did its military attacks across Ukraine intensify last month, becoming ever more deadly for civilians, Russia also appears to have escalated its sabotage campaign across Europe. This time, military and defence sector sites were the prime target. A full month after drones packed with explosives were found at Leipzig's airport, used by Ukraine to transport military goods, Germany's interior minister has declared that Russia is responsible. Russia's President Vladimir Putin is demanding proof, as always, and his officials call the accusation absurd.

Is the war entering a new phase? European Union foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas has said the bloc is ramping up pressure on Russia after Berlin accused Moscow of being behind a failed drone attack on a German airport. Kallas struck a defiant tone on Wednesday as she warned that "attempts to intimidate Europe" would fail. She further denounced last month's attempted attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport as "state-sponsored terrorism". Russia has denied involvement in the incident, with President Vladimir Putin alleging that the evidence had been "planted".

Follow this section to personalize your feed and get instant alerts. Follow Go to your personalized feed WHY FOLLOW? Smart Alerts: Get notified about major news as it happens. Follow this tag to personalize your feed and get instant alerts. Follow Go to your personalized feed WHY FOLLOW? Smart Alerts: Get notified about major news as it happens.

EU and Nato vow to step up pressure on Russia after'new escalation' in Germany The heads of Nato and the European Commission have warned that Russia is growing increasingly reckless and vowed to respond to a new normal. Leipzig marks a new escalation on European Union soil directly attributed to Russia, said Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, a day after Germany blamed Russia for a failed drone attack last month on Leipzig airport. We have to step up and that means being ready to respond to Russia's recklessness faster and better, von der Leyen said. Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte said the whole alliance, which includes the US, stood in full solidarity with Germany. Russia has rejected German accusations that a drone carrying explosives deliberately targeted a Ukrainian cargo plane on 4 August.

Is the war entering a new phase? Germany says Russia preparing'hybrid' attacks over Ukraine support Germany says Russia preparing'hybrid' attacks over Ukraine support Germany says an attempted drone attack at Leipzig Airport showed hallmarks of Russian hybrid operations against Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin says the proof is fake, even as the Germans warn Moscow could be planning more of these types of operations. Share Germany says Russia preparing'hybrid' attacks over Ukraine support on social media

What to know about Germany's drone attack accusations against Russia Share What to know about Germany's drone attack accusations against Russia on social media Germany has formally accused Russia of attempting an attack last month at the Leipzig-Halle airport, a state-owned facility in the eastern part of the country. On Tuesday, German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said his country's intelligence community had determined that a drone discovered at the airport was consistent with Russian technology. The drone had been bearing explosives, according to official reports. The incident is seen as part of a growing trend in Europe, where officials fear Russia is mounting a campaign of intimidation against members of the NATO military alliance. What was found at the Leipzig airport?

The German government has accused Russia of being behind an attempted drone attack on a major regional airport last month. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said on Tuesday that the attempted attack on Leipzig/Halle Airport in eastern Germany using a drone laden with explosives fits a known pattern of "Russian hybrid operations". "Taken together, police investigations, patterns of the offences and intelligence findings establish Russian responsibility for the attempted attack," he said, standing alongside Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. The drone was found at the airport near a Ukrainian plane on the evening of August 4 and defused. The findings were announced as several European countries that are providing Ukraine with support as it defends itself against Russia's invasion have reported an increase in sabotage attacks and attempts that they blame on Russia.