European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte have condemned what they described as a Russian attack targeting Leipzig Airport, as Ukraine seeks EU funding for additional air defence systems amid escalating Russian strikes.
Speaking alongside Rutte at the European Commission headquarters in Brussels on Wednesday, von der Leyen described the incident as a “military-style attack carried out by Russian agents” on European soil.
She said the EU would support “every member state targeted by Russia”, while confirming that Kyiv has asked Brussels to allocate part of the planned €90 billion loan to purchase US-made PAC-3 Patriot air defence systems.
Ukraine seeks funding for air defence
Von der Leyen said EU member states are currently examining Ukraine’s request, adding that it was “moving in the right direction”.
The Commission has also received a new payment request worth several billion euros to cover air defence systems, including advanced active defence systems, as well as European-made fighter aircraft.
She also referred to a joint European ballistic missile defence programme being developed with Ukraine and the €800 billion European defence investment plan, which includes the €150 billion SAFE programme.
Von der Leyen warns of wider Russian activity
Commenting on the Leipzig incident, von der Leyen said the attack could have caused extensive damage and potentially resulted in loss of life had it succeeded.
She said the objective appeared to be discouraging European support for Ukraine, but argued that it had produced the opposite effect.
“If the intention was to make us hesitate in our support for Ukraine, I can tell you that this has only strengthened my determination. Intimidation will not work,” she said.
Von der Leyen described the incident as part of a broader pattern of escalating Russian activity, including airspace violations, drones operating over airports and interference with infrastructure.
She said the EU would increase its preparedness and noted that a rapid-response mechanism is already in place for member states targeted by Russia.
On sanctions, she said existing measures had weakened Russia and that the EU could impose further sanctions, with new listings being discussed by EU foreign ministers.
Rutte pledges NATO solidarity
Rutte expressed “full solidarity with Germany” and the European Union, saying Russia had become increasingly reckless as its war in Ukraine continues.
He pointed to increased airspace violations and hybrid attacks, warning that Russia would be mistaken if it believed threats could divide the Alliance or weaken support for Ukraine.
“Our unity remains unshakable,” Rutte said.
He added that NATO member states had agreed to provide at least €70 billion this year to support Ukraine, with the same amount planned for 2027.
Rutte also highlighted an increase of more than 139 billion in defence spending by European allies and Canada in 2025, although the currency was not specified in the statement, and pointed to progress in defence-industrial cooperation within NATO.
EU and NATO stress closer cooperation
The two leaders also recalled their most recent meeting at the NATO summit in Ankara and reiterated that the EU and NATO “reinforce each other”.
Von der Leyen described the current period as a “new era of European security”, stressing the importance of closer cooperation between the two organisations.
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