Key facts
- German authorities identified a Belarusian and a Russian national as suspects in the August 4 drone attack on Leipzig-Halle airport.
- The suspects are linked to Russia's military intelligence services.
- The drone carried approximately 600 grams of Semtex explosive and was found near a Ukrainian cargo aircraft.
- The explosive detonator broke off, preventing a larger explosion that could have destroyed parts of the airport.
- The Russian suspect entered Germany via Turkey and has since returned to Russia.
- The Belarusian suspect has a criminal record in Finland and Lithuania.
German security authorities have identified a Belarusian citizen and a Russian national, both linked to Russia's military intelligence services, as the primary suspects in the August 4 drone attack on the Leipzig-Halle airport. Confidential documents reviewed by Welt and statements from four senior security officials indicate that the Russian suspect, affiliated with the GRU, was responsible for planning and logistics, entering Germany via Turkey and later departing for Serbia before returning to Russia. The Belarusian suspect, considered a 'disposable agent,' entered the Schengen Area via Latvia and has a criminal record in Finland and Lithuania. German authorities are coordinating with investigators in Lithuania, Poland, Latvia, and Finland, and are in contact with the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt have publicly held Russia responsible for the attack, a claim that Russia denies. The drone, carrying approximately 600 grams of Semtex explosive concealed in a food can, was discovered near a Ukrainian Antonov cargo aircraft and safely defused. Investigators found debris from two additional drones and believe that if the explosive had detonated, it would have caused a massive explosion. Evidence, including DNA traces from a glove found near the airport, links the Belarusian suspect to previous incidents in Finland and Lithuania, and Polish authorities believe he was involved in a sabotage incident at a home improvement store in Łódź in the summer of 2024. The explosives were reportedly transported to Germany via Bulgaria and Serbia, possibly in hidden compartments in trucks, and cached underground near the airport. The drone itself was homemade, constructed from readily available parts, some 3D-printed, with motors from a Chinese brand sold in Russian online stores.