Attack in Leipzig, one of the alleged Moscow agents entered Europe with an Italian visa.

A man suspected of being linked to Russian intelligence allegedly entered Europe using an Italian tourist visa, despite apparently never having passed through Italy, according to reports by German media. The individual, described as a Belarusian national with a Russian passport, is believed to have used the visa to enter the Schengen area and later reached Germany, where he was implicated in a failed attack on Leipzig Airport on August 4. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has stated that authorities will investigate why such a visa was granted. According to qualified security sources cited by ANSA, preliminary investigations into the case have yielded negative results so far. However, further checks and inquiries are ongoing. The suspect, who reportedly has a criminal record in Baltic countries, obtained the visa in April from the Italian embassy in Minsk. This document supposedly allowed him to bypass border controls and move freely within the Schengen zone before leaving Germany undetected shortly after the incident. He is alleged to have physically carried a drone equipped with explosives onto the airport runway, where it was discovered near Ukrainian cargo planes during the night of August 4–5. The device did not detonate, likely due to a faulty trigger mechanism. The revelation has reignited tensions among European Union member states regarding the strictness of visa policies toward Russian citizens. For months, there has been debate over proposals to restrict the issuance of tourist visas to Russians, particularly those who have served in the military and thus contributed to the invasion of Ukraine. Countries in the Nordic and Baltic regions, along with the Netherlands and the Czech Republic, have pushed for stricter measures. However, nations such as Italy, France, and Greece have resisted these efforts, fearing economic losses from the decline of Russian tourism along their coasts. No consensus was reached during recent EU meetings ahead of summer, and the issue remains unresolved. According to German investigators, another individual suspected of working for Moscow entered Germany more easily than the first suspect. This second man possessed both a Russian passport and a Latvian one, allowing him to travel within the Schengen area without needing additional documentation. Described as the logistical coordinator and instructor for the operative, this individual arrived in Germany at the end of July, flying to Berlin and then driving to Saxony via rental car. After preparing for the attack on Leipzig Airport, he left Germany by plane two days prior to the incident. Media reports suggest he has ties to a Russian intelligence agency. While investigations continue, authorities appear aware that the suspects are likely safe in Russia today. The case has raised questions about the effectiveness of current visa screening processes and the potential vulnerabilities in the Schengen system. Authorities are examining whether the Italian visa was improperly issued and how such a gap could have been exploited. The involvement of individuals with dual passports highlights the complexities of tracking foreign nationals, especially those with connections to state-sponsored activities. Investigators are also looking into the broader network that may have facilitated the operation, including possible links to other countries or entities. The incident underscores the challenges faced by European governments in balancing security concerns with diplomatic and economic considerations. As the investigation continues, officials are expected to scrutinize visa procedures more closely and potentially push for revised policies to prevent similar incidents in the future. Meanwhile, the focus remains on understanding the full scope of the operation and identifying any additional individuals who may have played a role.