Russian GRU Organized Drone Attack at Leipzig Airport

German investigators have determined that the preparation for the drone attack on Leipzig-Halle Airport was organized by an employee of Russian military intelligence—the GRU.

This was reported by WELT am Sonntag, citing investigation materials.

According to the publication, the suspect arrived in Germany via Turkey and later flew to Serbia. He is currently in Russia, WELT claims.

German intelligence agencies were aware of his probable connection to intelligence services when he entered the country, but did not place him under surveillance at that time.

Back in early September, ZDF reported on two identified suspects, one of whom played an organizational role.

Links between the attack itself and Russian military intelligence had been suggested earlier.

In August, a U.S. intelligence source reported that the explosives and the design of the drone found were characteristic of devices used by the GRU.

As a reminder, the drone carrying explosives was discovered on August 4 near a Ukrainian An-124 transport aircraft at Leipzig-Halle Airport.

The device did not explode; it was defused, and later two more drones were found.

It was previously reported that the An-124 was loaded with ammunition. Subsequently, the German Interior Ministry denied that there were any weapons on board the aircraft.

These events fit into a broader picture described in a report by the U.S. Congressional Research Service. Following the start of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia expanded its campaign of sabotage, cyberattacks, and other covert operations in Europe.

Weakening European support for Ukraine is cited as one of the possible goals of this campaign.