Drone attack at Leipzig airport: suspect linked to Lithuania
German police have identified two suspects in connection with a drone carrying explosives incident at Leipzig airport – one is linked to Lithuania.
Suspects in Leipzig airport attack: one linked to Lithuania
German police have identified two suspects connected with an attempted hybrid attack using an explosive-laden drone at Leipzig airport last month, LRT reported on Wednesday, citing German media.
One of the suspects has links to Lithuania.
According to the newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung (SZ) and regional public broadcasters NDR and WDR, the first suspect is a Belarusian citizen who also holds a Russian passport. He is believed to have entered the Schengen area with an Italian tourist visa issued in Minsk. DNA from this individual was reportedly found at the airport, and he had previously drawn attention for crimes committed in the Baltic states.
The second suspect, holding Latvian and Russian passports, is believed to have played the role of logistics coordinator and instructor. After arriving at Berlin airport in late July, he rented a car and travelled to the Leipzig region, departing Germany two days before the alleged attack.
Both men were identified based on DNA traces found at the airport and its surroundings: on the drone, in an explosives-filled canister, and on an antenna attached to a tree. European databases made it possible to establish matches – first in Lithuania and Finland – which were confirmed by intelligence service information.
The incident and its circumstances
A drone was discovered in a secure cargo operations zone at Leipzig airport, near an aircraft belonging to Ukrainian company Antonov Airlines. The incident occurred during the night of 4–5 August. Police deployed a robot to neutralise the device. Later, another drone with traces of explosive material was reportedly found near the airport.
This airport plays an important role in transporting military goods – both from the German armed forces and NATO allies – and serves as a base for Antonov Airlines.
On Tuesday, the German government blamed Russia for the incident, saying it had deployed "low-level agents", and announced countermeasures: the closure of Russia's consulate in Bonn and the Russian cultural centre in Berlin. Russian President Vladimir Putin called Germany's reaction "a mistake, and a very serious one". On Wednesday, Russia summoned Germany's chargé d'affaires to lodge a protest against "anti-Russian actions and statements by German officials".
Lithuanian prosecutor and case connection
Lithuanian Prosecutor General Nida Grunskienė confirmed on 19 August the connection between the drone incident at Leipzig airport and an incendiary parcel case being investigated in Lithuania that was sent abroad, but did not disclose further details.
"I will not comment, as I do not wish to harm the success of the investigation", said N. Grunskienė when asked whether the DNA trace was linked to a specific person.
Following the incident last month, German investigators found a DNA trace matching one found after an incident at the DHL logistics centre in Leipzig in July 2024.
The investigation is being conducted in cooperation with a joint task force involving officials from the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Latvia and other countries.
In 2024, four parcels containing incendiary devices were sent from Lithuania to the United Kingdom and Poland. Two of the four parcels travelled via DHL: one caught fire in Germany at Leipzig airport, the other in a warehouse in the United Kingdom. The incendiary devices case is currently being tried by Vilnius Regional Court – charges have been brought against five individuals who, according to officials, are perpetrators and intermediaries; the organisers of the crime are believed to be in Russia and are currently beyond reach. The crimes were organised by Russia's Armed Forces' Main Intelligence Directorate.
Zelensky offers support to Germany
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday, following a telephone conversation with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, offered Germany support – "in information, experience or other areas" where assistance is needed.
According to a spokesman for F. Merz, the Chancellor confirmed that Germany will continue resolute civilian and military support for Ukraine, and informed Zelensky of the conclusions of German institutions regarding Russia's responsibility for the hybrid attack in Leipzig.
V. Zelensky announced on social media platform X that negotiators from Ukraine and Germany are completing the text of a planned drone agreement between the two countries – which, he said, will provide "additional defence capabilities". Both leaders agreed to meet in person. Zelensky also announced that Ukraine will receive new air defence equipment from Germany this month.
Source: LRT