The European Union and NATO have pledged to increase pressure on Russia following a new escalation on EU territory.

Axar.az reports, citing the BBC, that speaking alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Brussels, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: “We have to step up and that means being ready to respond to Russia's recklessness faster and better.”

“Leipzig marks a new escalation on European Union soil directly attributed to Russia," Leyen said, adding: “We have to step up and that means being ready to respond to Russia's recklessness faster and better.”

Germany said Russia was behind a failed drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport on August 4, which targeted a Ukrainian cargo plane.

Moscow has rejected the accusations.

Rutte said NATO, including the United States, stood in full solidarity with Germany. Meanwhile, Berlin announced measures against Russia, including the closure of its consulate in Bonn and the Russian House cultural institution.

The latest developments came amid several suspected acts of sabotage in Germany and Poland, including attacks on electricity infrastructure and fires at facilities linked to Ukraine’s defence industry.

Von der Leyen said the EU was considering further sanctions against Russia and would continue increasing pressure on Moscow.

“We will increase it and we will not stop, not until Russia stops bombing and killing innocent children, men and children in Ukraine.”