Germany: Berlin blames Russian intelligence for a planned attack in Leipzig

13:06

German authorities suspect Russian military intelligence of playing a role in the preparation of a planned attack targeting Leipzig airport. The scenario allegedly involved a drone loaded with explosives. Two suspects, including a Russian national linked to the GRU, have been identified by investigators.

The case revives German concerns regarding covert operations attributed to Moscow on European soil. According to reports published Saturday by the German newspaper Welt am Sonntag, investigators believe that a member of Russian military intelligence may have participated in the logistical preparation of this presumed operation.

The project allegedly targeted Leipzig airport in eastern Germany in August. Authorities describe it as a possible so-called "hybrid" operation, a term that encompasses covert actions aimed at destabilizing or disrupting strategic infrastructures.

Two suspects identified

According to information reported by the German newspaper, Oleg Le, a Russian national presented as a member of the GRU, may have played a role in coordinating the project. A second man, of Belarusian nationality and identified as Andrei Ka, has also been spotted by investigators.

The background attributed to Oleg Le is also part of the investigations. He reportedly traveled to Germany from Turkey before leaving the country via Berlin airport to go to Serbia. He is now believed to be in Russia.

However, this information has not led to the arrest of the two men, according to available details.

Berlin takes measures against Moscow

The German accusations have resulted in a further deterioration of relations between Berlin and Moscow. According to Welt am Sonntag, German authorities have decided to take several diplomatic measures, including closing the Russian consulate in Bonn and a Russian cultural center located in Berlin.

Russia, for its part, denies any involvement in the alleged attack project.

This incident occurs in a particularly tense context between the two countries. Since Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, diplomatic and security relations between Berlin and Moscow have significantly deteriorated.

German infrastructures under surveillance

The alleged use of a drone loaded with explosives against an airport infrastructure illustrates the growing concerns of European authorities regarding new forms of covert actions.

German investigators are now seeking to determine the exact extent of the network involved and the level of responsibility of the identified individuals. Beyond Leipzig airport, this case could fuel the debate in Germany on the protection of strategic infrastructures and the response to operations attributed to foreign powers.