Germany set to link Leipzig drone attack to Russian intelligence

Sources within Germany's security agencies told the outlet that evidence gathered during the investigation is now "quite convincing."

Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul are expected to make a statement on Sept. 1.

According to Bild, Berlin is discussing response measures with European partners. Possible options under consideration include summoning Russia's ambassador to the Foreign Ministry, expelling certain embassy staff, and imposing new sanctions.

On Aug. 29, Politico reported that Germany's government plans to formally hold Russia responsible for the attempted drone attack in Leipzig and to introduce additional sanctions against Russian entities.

The Aug. 5 drone incident at Leipzig airport

Overnight into Aug. 5, a drone rigged with a detonator and explosive material was discovered at Leipzig/Halle Airport in Germany, which has served as a base for Ukrainian Antonov aircraft since 2022. The drone was found on the runway near a Ukrainian An-124 Ruslan cargo plane.

The incident forced flights to be rerouted. One DHL cargo plane delayed its landing and circled for an additional pass when it collided in midair with an unknown object — possibly another drone, which pilots later confirmed.

On Aug. 6, German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said the incident did not appear to be the work of amateurs and that a foreign state could be involved.

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said no one was injured in the Leipzig airport incident and that aircraft belonging to Ukrainian company Antonov were not damaged.

Media reports had suggested the An-124 was loaded with ammunition, but Germany's Interior Ministry denied this.

U.S. officials familiar with intelligence on the incident told The Wall Street Journal that the explosive-laden drone likely belonged to the Russian government.

On Aug. 25, German outlets NDR, WDR, and Süddeutsche Zeitung reported in a joint investigation that three drones were involved in the attempted attack on the Ukrainian An-124 cargo plane in Leipzig, and that the intended strike was larger in scale than previously reported.