Germany accused Russia of a drone attack on Leipzig Airport in August, escalating tensions as the EU considers further sanctions. The incident, which involved explosive-laden drones targeting a Ukrainian Airlines cargo plane, marks the first direct attribution of sabotage to Russia by German authorities.
Two suspects were identified, including a Russian-born Latvian national and a Russian citizen from Belarus. The drones, discovered on August 4, collided with a cargo plane and carried explosives. German officials linked the devices to previous Russian hybrid attacks through parts and configuration analysis.
The attack underscores growing concerns over Russian sabotage campaigns targeting critical infrastructure across Europe. Germany responded by closing the Russian consulate in Bonn and canceling a cultural center contract. Ukraine pledged support, with President Zelensky assuring Chancellor Merz of readiness to assist.
Russia denied involvement, calling the allegations absurd, and summoned Germany's charge d'affaires. Additional suspected sabotage hit power substations in Brandenburg and North Rhine-Westphalia, with investigations ongoing into potential foreign state involvement.