Chancellor Merz,
speaking alongside NATO's Mark Rutte and Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten at the
German-Dutch Corps headquarters, warned of impending hybrid attacks from
Russia, including serious ones like the attempted drone strike at Leipzig
airport that German authorities blame on Moscow.
He vowed a swift response while reaffirming support for Ukraine and NATO unity, accusing Russia of backing the far-right AfD party amid rising espionage and sabotage. Rutte highlighted Russia's battlefield failures and heavy losses, as leaders emphasized Europe's need to stay united against intimidation.