European Union foreign ministers met on Wednesday in Wicklow, Ireland, to discuss potential responses to Germany’s accusation that Russia was responsible for a failed drone attack at Leipzig airport earlier this month. The drone, which was carrying explosives, was discovered near Ukrainian cargo aircraft on August 4 but did not detonate.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said during the meeting that the bloc is considering imposing sanctions on an additional 1,600 individuals and companies connected to Russia’s military-industrial sector. She noted that more names could be added to the list as discussions progress.

Since Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the EU has implemented 21 packages of sanctions designed to weaken Russia’s economic and military capabilities. The new measures under consideration follow Germany’s public attribution on Tuesday of the failed drone incident to Russia, an allegation Moscow denies.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the need for the EU to escalate its response to such actions. Speaking in Brussels alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, von der Leyen described the incident as dangerous and life-threatening, stating that if the attack had succeeded, it could have caused significant damage and loss of life.

“We’re looking at ways to cut deeper into Russia’s war chest,” von der Leyen said, stressing the importance of closing any loopholes Russia exploits. She noted that the EU must be prepared to impose sanctions swiftly as soon as further provocations are confirmed.

The discussions in Wicklow reflect the EU’s intent to reinforce its stance against what officials describe as reckless behavior by Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The bloc’s foreign ministers are expected to continue working on concrete measures to hold Russia accountable and deter future incidents.