German security authorities investigating the attempted attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport have reportedly traced the operation directly to Russia’s military intelligence service, the GRU. According to Welt am Sonntag, secret investigation documents identify a suspected GRU employee as the logistics coordinator of the operation. The findings reportedly formed the basis for the German government’s decision to hold Russia responsible for the attempted drone attack.
According to information from security circles, the suspects are Russian national Oleg L. and Belarusian national Andrei K. L. is said to have organised the preparation and logistics of the operation. Welt am Sonntag reports that German security authorities classify him as being affiliated with the GRU.
According to the report, L. entered Germany via Turkey and later left the country for Serbia via Berlin-Brandenburg Airport. Welt am Sonntag reports that investigators already knew when he entered Germany that the Russian was considered part of the GRU’s circle. Nevertheless, he was not placed under surveillance after entering the country. He is now reportedly back in Russia, according to the newspaper.
At the beginning of August, a drone loaded with explosives was discovered at Leipzig Airport, near Ukrainian cargo aircraft. The airport serves as a hub for military aid shipments to Ukraine. According to Welt am Sonntag, investigators traced the suspects partly through DNA evidence found on an antenna structure used to control the drones.
According to the newspaper, investigators believe the explosives used in Leipzig may have reached Germany via Bulgaria and Serbia. They reportedly believe the material was transported in cavities inside trucks and subsequently hidden in underground depots.
At the beginning of September, the German government held Moscow responsible for the attempted bombing at Leipzig Airport and announced new sanctions against Russia. Moscow has rejected the allegations.
In August, Bild reported that investigators had found a specific DNA trace in connection with the drone attack in Leipzig. According to the report, the DNA matched a trace that had previously been recorded in connection with the arson attack on the DHL logistics centre in Leipzig on July 20, 2024.
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