Drone attack in Leipzig: Suspects linked to Russia

German authorities have identified two suspects linked to Russia in connection with a failed drone attack on a Ukrainian transport aircraft at Leipzig/Halle Airport on August 4. The information comes from investigations by the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) and the federal prosecutor’s office, according to reports from Süddeutsche Zeitung, NDR, and WDR. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) stated during a press conference on Tuesday evening that the Russian government bears responsibility for the incident, describing it as a professionally executed operation involving high technical expertise and substantial organizational effort. The minister noted that the attack bore the familiar pattern of hybrid Russian operations in Europe. He indicated that the investigation had uncovered evidence pointing to individuals acting on behalf of Russian state institutions, referring to them as “low-level agents.” Dobrindt emphasized that the inquiry required strict information protection measures and that names of the suspects would not be disclosed immediately. According to reports, the federal prosecutor has initiated proceedings against two individuals suspected of involvement in the attack. One suspect is a Russian national holding a Lithuanian passport who is believed to have acted as a logistics coordinator and instructor for the planned attack. According to investigators, he entered Germany via Berlin's BER airport in late July, traveled to Leipzig by car, and left again through BER two days before the attempted drone strike. Another suspect, whose identity has been confirmed through DNA traces found at the scene, is a known individual from Belarus who holds a Russian passport. He reportedly entered Germany using an Italian tourist visa issued by an Italian embassy in Minsk in early April. Authorities have reconstructed his movements within Germany based on entry and exit records. Experts from the BKA suggest that more drones were used in the attack than previously known. Three devices were recovered, some partially intact. Moscow denied any involvement, calling the incident a “hasty provocation” and expressing concern over a new wave of anti-Russian hysteria in Germany. This follows previous denials by Russia regarding its involvement in other attacks, such as the murder of a Georgian citizen in Berlin’s Little Tiergarden in August 2019, where a Russian contract killer was later arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment. That individual was released in 2024 under a prisoner exchange and received a personal welcome from President Vladimir Putin. European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed on Wednesday that the attack in Leipzig was carried out by Russian agents using military equipment. She described it as a new escalation level of Russian actions on European soil. Speaking alongside NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in Brussels, von der Leyen stressed that the EU and NATO would maintain and even increase pressure on Russia. Rutte warned that Russia was increasingly reckless and added that the attack in Leipzig was part of a broader trend of growing threats. Both leaders called for increased investment in defense capabilities and urged member states to treat everyday infrastructure as potential targets on the front lines. Lituanian Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas argued that NATO must find an appropriate response to Russian hybrid attacks. He emphasized that Russia would not change its behavior and that the alliance needed to be prepared to counter these threats effectively. The EU Commission pledged full solidarity with Germany following the attack, and several countries including France summoned Russian diplomats. EU External Affairs Commissioner Kaja Kallas stated that the attack exhibited characteristics of state-sponsored terrorism and highlighted the need for further sanctions against Russian-linked entities. Austria’s State Secretary Sepp Schellhorn (NEOS) participated in the meeting and announced plans to discuss possible diplomatic actions with his German counterpart. Austria will decide independently on whether to summon the Russian ambassador. Work on the 22nd sanctions package against Russia is set to conclude by October, with Kallas aiming to sanction an additional 1,600 individuals and companies connected to Russia’s military-industrial complex. While NATO will defend its members against all threats, the organization has ruled out invoking Article 4 of the NATO treaty, which allows for consultations among allies if a member feels threatened.