EU, NATO WARN OF NEW ESCALATION ON EUROPEAN SOIL EU chief Ursula von der Leyen called the attempted Leipzig attack a “new escalation,” saying military-grade material was used and lives could have been lost. She vowed stronger pressure and sanctions on Russia, while maintaining support for Ukraine. NATO chief Mark Rutte accused Russia of growing increasingly reckless amid rising “malicious activity,” stressing NATO remains united and prepared to defend its territory. 02-SEP-2026 07:00 AM ET