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Germany Traces Leipzig Explosive Drone Attack to Russia’s GRU
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German investigators have identified a suspected Russian military intelligence operative as a key organizer of the explosive-drone operation at Leipzig/Halle Airport in August, where an explosives-laden drone was discovered near Ukrainian Antonov An-124 cargo aircraft.
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According to Welt am Sonntag on September 12, confidential investigative files link one of two identified suspects directly to Russia’s GRU military intelligence service. The newspaper reported that the suspected operative coordinated the preparation and logistics of the operation.
The suspects were identified as Russian citizen Oleg L. and Belarusian citizen Andrei K. Investigators believe Oleg L. played the organizational role, while Andrei K. was involved in carrying out the operation.
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Welt am Sonntag reported that Oleg L. traveled to Germany via Türkiye before later leaving through Berlin Brandenburg Airport for Serbia. German security services reportedly already had information about his suspected GRU ties when he entered the country but did not place him under surveillance.
Investigators now believe he is back in Russia. Die Zeit separately reported the same findings, citing the Welt am Sonntag investigation.
Investigators also examined how explosives used in the operation may have reached Germany. According to the reporting, the material may have been transported through Bulgaria and Serbia, potentially concealed inside trucks before being placed in underground caches.
The investigation follows the August 4 incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport, when authorities discovered a drone carrying explosives close to Ukrainian cargo aircraft. The device failed to detonate and was subsequently neutralized. German media later reported that additional drones connected to the incident were found near the airport.
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Leipzig/Halle is one of Germany’s major air cargo hubs and has also been used for military logistics connected to assistance for Ukraine. Ukrainian An-124 heavy transport aircraft were parked at the airport during the incident.
Germany formally attributed the attempted attack to Russia on September 1. The German government said police investigations, the operational pattern and intelligence findings together provided sufficient grounds to hold Russia responsible, while noting that the criminal investigation remained ongoing.
Berlin subsequently announced several measures in response, including the closure of Russia’s consulate general in Bonn from September 18, termination of the agreement governing the Russian House in Berlin, tighter entry controls for Russian nationals, proposed EU sanctions against individuals linked to hybrid operations, and increased pressure on Russia’s so-called shadow fleet.
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