# Merz plans separate Russia sanctions ahead of elections to hurt rivals

https://mins.news/en/item/36968

- TASS, 2026-08-29 15:42 UTC
- Politics
- Original: https://tass.com/world/2179351

> German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is expected to announce new sanctions against Russia early next week, potentially including diplomat expulsions, closing the Russian House in Berlin and additional strike weapons for Kyiv. Politico reported that Berlin would cite recent Leipzig drone incidents, while government sources said weakening the AfD ahead of regional elections was a key objective.

## Stories

- [Drone Threats to German Military Bases](https://mins.news/en/topic/germany-military-drone-threats) — Markdown: https://mins.news/en/topic/germany-military-drone-threats.md

## Related coverage

- [Politico and Welt: Germany plans to blame Russia for Leipzig airport sabotage attempt and announce new sanctions](https://mins.news/en/item/38169) — Meduza, 2026-08-31
- [Germany plans to blame Russia for foiled Leipzig drone attack, Politico reports](https://mins.news/en/item/37075) — The Kyiv Independent, 2026-08-29