German Authorities Link Foiled Leipzig Airport Drone Attack to Russian GRU Intelligence
German security services have intensified their investigation into the foiled drone attack on Leipzig/Halle Airport, with emerging evidence pointing toward two primary suspects. One of these individuals is reportedly linked to the GRU, the military intelligence service of Russia. The incident occurred on 4 August when a drone fitted with explosives approached a Ukrainian Antonov transport aircraft parked at the airport in Schkeuditz. Although the device was detected and rendered harmless, investigators revealed that approximately 1.8 kilograms of Semtex were intended for use. At the time of the attempt, the targeted aircraft contained around 25,000 litres of kerosene. The explosive charge ultimately failed to detonate because the detonator became detached, allowing CCTV footage to capture the drone coming to rest directly next to the plane.
Previously undisclosed investigative files, cited by the newspaper Welt, indicate that the identities of the two suspects and details of their travel routes have been established. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt publicly held Russia responsible for the attack during a joint press conference approximately a week and a half after the event. The central figures in the investigation are identified as Oleg Le., a Russian citizen, and Andrei Ka., a Belarusian national. According to German security authorities, Le. is believed to have organized the logistical preparations for the operation. He entered Germany via Turkey and later departed through Berlin-Brandenburg airport, initially traveling to Serbia before returning to Russia. Authorities noted they were aware of his potential links to the GRU environment upon entry but did not place him under permanent surveillance.
Andrei Ka. is suspected of carrying out the physical act of the drone attack. Investigators found remnants of a glove on an antenna structure used to control the drone, securing DNA traces that matched data already known from Finland and Lithuania. Ka. had previously drawn attention to authorities in both countries for ordinary criminal offenses, including property crimes in Finland. Polish authorities also mentioned his name in connection with a fire at a DIY store in Łódź during the summer of 2024, which is being investigated as a possible act of sabotage. The German assessment suggests the attack was pre-planned rather than spontaneous, citing multiple drones, potential hiding places, and different launch points. Ten days after the initial incident, investigators discovered another drone and a fire site in Kabelsketal, securing around 50 grams of Semtex. Additional searches were conducted south of the airport near Schkeuditz, driven by the analysis of a hire car believed to be used by the suspects.
The dispute has triggered significant diplomatic repercussions. The German federal government initiated measures against Russia, including the decision to close the Russian consulate general in Bonn and the Russian House in Berlin. The Russian ambassador was summoned to the Foreign Office, and further steps, including additional measures at the European level, are currently under examination. Moscow responded with countermeasures, closing the German consulate general in St Petersburg and announcing the closure of Goethe-Institutes in Russia. The Russian government continues to reject the accusations regarding the drone attack, holding Berlin responsible for the escalation.
This report was produced in the Europe Brief News newsroom.
