Germany identifies third suspect in Leipzig airport drone plot

German investigators have identified a third suspect in the attempted drone attack on a Ukrainian cargo plane at Leipzig Airport in early August. The new suspect is a Belarusian citizen, though specific details regarding his alleged role have not been released.

The investigation has previously focused on two men with ties to Russia: Oleg L., a 54-year-old Russian-born individual with a Latvian passport, and Andrei K., a Belarusian citizen who also holds a Russian passport. Investigators believe Oleg L. acted as a logistician and instructor. Reports indicate Oleg L. has maintained contact for nearly 20 years with Denis Smoljaninov, a Russian military intelligence officer and EU-sanctioned sabotage expert.

Andrei K. was linked to the case after DNA evidence was found on a drone, an explosive container, and an antenna near the airport. German authorities officially accused Russia of the attempted attack in September and announced sanctions. The Russian Ambassador to Germany, Sergej Nečajev, dismissed the allegations as a ‘fictional provocation’ and warned that German measures would face a response.