Suspected Russian spy behind drone attack in Leipzig

Key Points:

• German security authorities have identified a Belarusian citizen and a Russian national linked to Russia’s military intelligence (GRU) as the main suspects in the August drone attack on Leipzig-Halle airport, based on confidential investigative files and senior officials' statements.
• The Russian suspect, involved in planning and logistics, entered Germany via Turkey and later returned to Russia without being placed under surveillance due to limited resources; the Belarusian suspect, viewed as a "disposable agent," entered the Schengen Area via Latvia shortly before the attack.
• The attack involved explosive-laden drones carrying Semtex explosives aimed at a Ukrainian Antonov cargo aircraft, with the explosion prevented by a faulty detonator; investigators found drone control equipment with DNA traces linked to the Belarusian suspect.
• German authorities are coordinating with Lithuania, Poland, Latvia, Finland, and the FBI due to suspected links to other sabotage cases in Europe, and have uncovered evidence of hidden storage sites for explosives near the airport and in the Halle-Leipzig area.
• The homemade drone used in the attack was constructed from commercially available parts, including Chinese motors sold in Russian combat technology stores, with explosives concealed inside a food can attached to the drone.