Russian Connections

Leipzig Drone Terrorists Likely Identified

A major disaster was averted only because of a malfunction in the detonator.(Bild: EPA/FILIP SINGER)

Following the attempted bomb attack on cargo planes at Leipzig Airport and accusations that the Kremlin was behind it, investigators have two possible suspects in their sights. According to media reports, the suspects are men with ties to Russia.

As reported by the *Süddeutsche Zeitung*, NDR, and WDR, one is a native Russian with a Latvian passport, and the other is a man from Belarus with a Russian passport who is already “known to the authorities.”

The two men are believed to be behind the drone attack that nearly caused a catastrophe at Leipzig Airport—and for which the German federal government officially blamed the Kremlin on Tuesday.

Drone Attackers Are “Low-Level Agents”
During the press conference on Russia’s involvement, German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt merely “referred to individuals involved who acted on behalf of Russian state agencies” and spoke of “low-level agents.” Now it has come to light that one of the two was apparently no stranger to the authorities.

A major catastrophe was averted only because of a malfunctioning detonator.(Bild: EPA/FILIP SINGER)

According to the media report, investigators are certain they know the logistics coordinator and instructor behind the planned attack in Leipzig. The Russian-born man with a Latvian passport apparently entered Germany via Berlin’s BER Airport at the end of July and is said to have subsequently been traveling toward Leipzig in a rental car. He is also said to have ties to the Russian intelligence service. Two days before the failed drone attack, the suspect left Germany again—once more by plane via BER.

At the crime scene, DNA traces led to the second suspect. A comparison with European databases yielded matches in Lithuania and Finland. This is how authorities reportedly identified a man from Belarus who had already come to their attention in various countries for other criminal offenses.

Russia Denies Involvement
Moscow denies having anything to do with the drone at the airport. Russia views the case involving the undetonated flying object as a “provocation” that serves solely the interests of militaristic circles in Europe and Ukraine. 

The Russian Foreign Ministry summoned the chargé d’affaires of the German Embassy in Moscow to protest Berlin’s sanctions. The ministry stated that the summons was issued due to “anti-Russian actions” and statements by the German leadership.