EU: Russian attacks bear 'hallmarks of state-sponsored terrorism'
13:09, 02/09/2026, WednesdayU: Update: 13:23, 02/09/2026, Wednesday
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Irish Defence Minister Helen McEntee (not seen) and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas address reporters following an informal meeting of EU defence ministers at Druids Glen in County Wicklow, Ireland, on September 1, 2026. Kaja Kallas said Russian hybrid attacks across Europe bear all the hallmarks of state-sponsored terrorism, as EU foreign ministers gathered in Ireland to discuss further sanctions and coordinate pressure on Moscow amid intensified strikes on Ukrainian civilians.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on Wednesday accused Russia of conducting hybrid attacks across Europe that bear "all the hallmarks of state-sponsored terrorism," as the bloc convened an informal meeting of foreign ministers in Ireland to weigh further measures against Moscow. Speaking ahead of the gathering in Dublin, Kallas told reporters that several member states had summoned Russian ambassadors over the alleged incidents.
German incident and sanctions pipeline
Kallas pointed to a suspected Russian drone attack at Germany's Leipzig Airport in August as evidence of the escalating threat, stating that Berlin's response had sent "a very strong signal" to the Kremlin. "I think this is the unified response that we need to take," she said, adding that German officials had expressed gratitude for solidarity shown by other EU capitals. The EU already has 1,600 listings targeting Russia's military-industrial complex in preparation, she noted, though no formal decisions would be taken at the informal meeting.
'Wake-up calls' for hesitant members
The attacks should serve as "wake-up calls" for countries that have maintained less forceful positions toward Moscow, Kallas said. Ukraine will join portions of the discussions, which are expected to focus on coordinating additional measures to increase pressure on Russia amid its intensified attacks on Ukrainian civilians. Ministers will also examine ways to make EU foreign policy more effective, particularly regarding the bloc's unanimity requirement for decisive action.
Critical infrastructure and Middle East
The agenda includes protecting critical infrastructure through underwater drone defenses and studying technological innovations developed on Ukrainian battlefields. "In this geopolitical context, we have to be more agile, and we have to really be able to react to situations that are upcoming," Kallas said. Ministers will also address freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, potential cooperation with a Saudi-led multinational initiative, and developments in the occupied West Bank.