# Der Spiegel: Escalation with Russia over drones could backfire on Merz in elections

https://mins.news/en/item/43626

- TASS, 2026-09-03 11:31 UTC
- Politics
- Original: https://tass.com/world/2182101

> German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is taking a political risk by blaming Russia for the drone incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport, Der Spiegel reports. The magazine warns that fears of an escalation with Moscow could have domestic consequences in upcoming regional elections. Berlin formally blamed Russia and announced countermeasures on September 1, while Russia’s embassy called the incident a hastily concocted provocation.

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