France backs sanctions over Leipzig attack, targets Russian shadow fleet: Foreign minister

France will support German proposals for sanctions over hybrid attacks in Leipzig last month and seek additional measures against vessels belonging to Russia’s shadow fleet, Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said Wednesday.

Speaking ahead of an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Ireland, Barrot expressed “full solidarity” with Germany over the attack, which Berlin attributed to Russia.

He described the incident as part of a broader Kremlin campaign to destabilize the EU, its democratic processes, and its support for Ukraine.

“We will not allow an act of such gravity to go without consequences,” Barrot said. “We will support the sanctions proposals put forward by Germany. We will also propose sanctions against a number of vessels belonging to the shadow fleet.”

Barrot said he had summoned the Russian charge d’affaires in Paris to lodge a strong protest based on evidence provided by Germany.

According to the minister, the evidence demonstrated “an intention to sabotage this aircraft and this logistics site,” which had been used by Germany and Europe to support Ukraine.

Leipzig Airport is a major freight hub and a key logistics node for military cargo, including Ukrainian Antonov flights. Officials have described the foiled drone strike as an attempt to disrupt that support chain without launching a conventional military attack.

German authorities told media that the Aug. 4 attempt on a Ukrainian Antonov cargo plane was more serious than first reported. The drone had been rigged with explosives, and investigators later concluded that several drones were involved, not one.

Russia has rejected claims of assassinations, sabotage, drone incursions, and spying in countries allied with Ukraine, accusing Western governments of stoking “anti-Russian paranoia.”

• Barrot's remarks regarding situation in Palestine

Regarding the situation in the occupied West Bank, Barrot said France will call for new EU sanctions against those responsible and urge the European Commission to prevent goods originating from illegal settlements from entering the bloc.

Barrot also proposed dispatching a mission to Palestine as early as September to support the organization of presidential and legislative elections.

He said holding elections would allow Palestinians to choose leaders who could serve as “fully legitimate interlocutors” for the international community.