The German government attributed a drone attack using explosives at the Leipzig/Halle airport to Russia on August 4, 2026, and announced the closure of a Russian consulate as a retaliatory measure. ^[1] Vladimir Putin stated that transport volume via the Trans-Arctic Corridor will double by 2030, reaching 70 million tons annually. ^[2] President Vladimir Putin stated on Tuesday that Ukrainian attacks on Russian naval vessels have caused significant but not critical damage. ^[3] The article argues that both the strategy of appeasement and the strategy of maximal pressure are insufficient because they fail to address Putin's true goal. ^[4] The article identifies two major misconceptions in Germany regarding Vladimir Putin's objectives in the war against Ukraine. ^[5] The author asserts that submission is Vladimir Putin's ultimate life goal. ^[6] French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced that France has summoned the Russian envoy to protest the incident and intends to impose sanctions on more ships in the Kremlin's ghost fleet. ^[7] Kaja Kallas, the head of the European Union's diplomatic service, stated that the incident clearly has the characteristics of state-sponsored terrorism but noted the difficulty in finding new ways to address the challenge without resorting to military means. ^[8] Experts emphasize the need for international cooperation in Arctic shipbuilding and development of new markets to support corridor expansion. ^[9] In 2023, the Northern Sea Route handled 37.02 million tons of cargo, with 60% consisting of export goods from Arctic oil and gas projects. ^[10] The Trans-Arctic Corridor includes the Northern Sea Route, river systems, and land infrastructure connecting Novaya Zemlya to Chukotka. ^[11] President Vladimir Putin said Ukraine had damaged around 100 vessels over a 40-day period. ^[12]