The EU calls the Russian hybrid attack in Leipzig state-sponsored terrorism

Germany has identified two suspects with Russian passports linked to a hybrid attack on Leipzig Airport in early August, according to a joint investigation by the Süddeutsche Zeitung and regional broadcasters NDR and WDR. A Russian national holding a Latvian passport and a Belarusian citizen with a Russian passport are under suspicion for involvement in the failed drone attack targeting an Antonov Ukrainian military transport plane. Authorities believe these individuals were responsible for the attempt, which reportedly failed due to a malfunction in the explosive device's detonator. The German government had previously blamed Russia for the incident, referring to the perpetrators as "low-level agents" working for the Kremlin. According to the reports, the suspect with the Latvian passport had connections to the Russian consulate general and entered Germany through Berlin Airport before traveling to Leipzig in a rented car. Two days before the attack, he left Germany again via Berlin Airport. The other suspect, who holds both a Russian and Belarusian passport, allegedly entered Germany using a tourist visa issued by the Italian consulate in Minsk. Officials expressed skepticism about bringing foreign agents to trial, citing past cases where such individuals avoided prosecution after leaving EU territory. On the night of August 4, a drone carrying explosives was found at Leipzig Airport. A second drone collided with a DHL cargo plane that had to abort its landing due to the airport closure. Investigators discovered another unmanned aerial vehicle and explosives near the airfield on August 14, according to regional public broadcasters WDR and NDR and the Süddeutsche Zeitung. The European Union has labeled the alleged Russian hybrid attack on Leipzig as "state-sponsored terrorism." High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas called for restricting visas for Russian citizens following reports that one suspect used a tourist visa issued by Italy in Minsk. She emphasized that if confirmed, this would show how visas are being exploited by those seeking to harm the EU. Kallas reiterated that the Leipzig incident was not isolated and warned that attempts to intimidate Europe would fail. She stressed that Moscow’s ongoing attacks on Ukraine showed it did not seek peace, making it imperative to provide Kyiv with necessary defense capabilities. Berlin has taken measures against Russia, including closing its last remaining general consulate in Bonn by September 18 and ending the agreement allowing the Russian House in Berlin to operate. Additional entry controls for Russian citizens and further actions against the phantom fleet have been announced. Moscow denied any involvement, calling the accusations fabricated and provocative. President Vladimir Putin claimed the evidence was planted and accused the German government of diverting attention from internal issues. Russia warned it would respond, though it did not specify how.