German authorities identified two suspects with Russian backgrounds, including a Latvian national and a Belarusian citizen, in connection with a drone attack at Leipzig airport. ^[1] Germany officially accused Russia of responsibility for the drone attack at Leipzig airport, leading to the expulsion of the Russian ambassador. ^[2] European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed on Aug. 2, 2026, that the European Union received a payment request from Ukraine worth several billion euros to cover air defenses including the PAC-3 air defense system. ^[3] EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas described the Leipzig drone incident as state-sponsored terrorism and called for increased sanctions against Russia. ^[4] More than 350,000 households in the Odesa district of Ukraine lost power due to Russian attacks, according to grid operator DTEK. ^[5] EU and national diplomats confirmed to the Kyiv Independent that a meeting of national representatives is scheduled for Sept. 7, 2026, to consider Ukraine's request. ^[6] The approval process does not require unanimity but rather a qualified majority: 55% of EU countries representing 65% of the EU's population would have to oppose Kyiv's request to stop approval. ^[7] The Kyiv Independent first reported that Ukraine's payment request was submitted by then-Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov shortly before he was fired on July 15, 2026. ^[8]