Suspected GRU operative identified in Leipzig drone attack on Ukrainian plane - Welt
German investigators have identified two suspects in an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport, including a Russian national suspected of working for Russia’s GRU military intelligence service, Welt reported.
The suspects are Russian national Oleg L. and Belarusian national Andrei K., according to Welt, which cited confidential investigative documents.
Oleg L. is suspected of organizing the preparation and logistics of the operation and is considered by German security authorities to be associated with the GRU.
Investigators reportedly already knew about his suspected GRU ties when he entered Germany via Turkey. Despite this, he was not placed under surveillance after entering the country.
He later left Germany from Berlin Brandenburg Airport for Serbia and is now believed to be back in Russia.
Investigators identified the suspects partly through DNA traces found on an antenna structure used to control the drones.
German authorities also believe the explosives used in the operation may have been brought into Germany via Bulgaria and Serbia. Investigators suspect they were transported in hidden compartments in trucks before being stored in underground caches near the airport.
The findings linking the suspects to Russian military intelligence reportedly formed part of the evidence behind the German government’s decision earlier this month to formally blame Russia for the attempted attack.
In early August, an explosive-laden drone targeted a Ukrainian An-124 cargo aircraft at Leipzig/Halle Airport, an important logistics hub for Western military assistance to Ukraine. The drone struck the aircraft’s wing but failed to detonate.
No one was injured, and the Ukrainian aircraft was not damaged.
Germany subsequently accused Russia of responsibility for the incident and announced punitive measures against Moscow, including the closure of Russia’s last remaining consulate general in Germany. Russia has denied the allegations.