Germany has formally blamed Russia for a drone attack at Leipzig Airport, according to multiple reports. This follows weeks of speculation linking the incident to the Kremlin. On Tuesday, September 1, the German government announced retaliatory measures against Russia, including the closure of the last Russian consulate on its territory in Bonn and the Russian cultural center in Berlin, known as the "Russian House." Germany also plans to propose adding new Russian nationals to European sanctions lists. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul pledged to "increase pressure on the Russian phantom fleet," a collection of aging ships with an unclear legal status that Russia uses to bypass Western sanctions. Russian Ambassador to Germany Serguei Netchaiev called Berlin's accusations "unfounded, absurd, and contrary to common sense," adding that the sanctions represent "an unprecedented escalation of Russo-German relations and will not be without consequences." Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking from Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan, described the German actions as "a new gross mistake" and stated that they "clearly go against the interests of the German people." Germany's decision to openly confront Moscow has received support from Paris, London, and Warsaw. The Süddeutsche Zeitung noted that Germany is adopting "an increasingly confrontational position toward the Kremlin." Die Zeit described the German declaration as a "political and diplomatic stance, a new element in the repertoire of German foreign policy," emphasizing that it reflects an awareness and commitment to the security challenges posed by Russia. The newspaper also noted that while the countermeasures may appear modest, they are a prudent decision in light of Russia's potential for further escalation. The absence of Chancellor Friedrich Merz at a press conference organized by Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul was noted by the Frankfurter Zeitung. The newspaper suggested that Merz's absence was partly due to the government's desire to reserve options for responding to potential new escalations from Russia. The weekly Stern also speculated that the chancellor was reserving the right to act in future stages. Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal criticized the Trump administration for inviting Russian Finance Minister Anton Silouanov to the G20 summit in North Carolina. The German Finance Minister reportedly expressed anger over the decision, as it was the first time Russia had been welcomed to such a forum since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. However, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that Silouanov's attendance had "no impact" on the discussions, emphasizing the importance of dialogue to end the conflict in Ukraine. At least 12 people were killed in Kiev and its region on Tuesday during new Russian nighttime strikes.