Germany identifies suspects in Leipzig Airport drone attack

German authorities have likely identified a Belarusian and a Russian national as the suspects behind a drone attack at Leipzig Airport in August. According to investigative documents and security officials, the suspects are believed to have links to the GRU, Russia’s military intelligence agency.

The incident involved a medium-sized drone carrying explosives that entered the airport grounds, striking the wing of a Ukrainian Antonov cargo plane before crashing. The Leipzig Airport is considered a strategic location due to its role in transporting weapons to Ukraine. Authorities suggest the attack was intended to send a strong message.

Investigators are currently collaborating with officials in Lithuania, Poland, Latvia, and Finland, as they suspect connections to other sabotage attempts across Europe. One Russian suspect, allegedly responsible for the planning and logistics of the attack, entered Germany via Berlin-Brandenburg Airport from Turkey. He subsequently traveled to Serbia and is currently believed to be back in Russia.