Disaster Averted in Germany: 'Russian' Explosive Drone Lands Near Ukrainian Plane Loaded with Ammunition
German media revealed that the Ukrainian cargo plane, near which an explosive drone was found in Leipzig, was loaded with military ammunition from France and could have ignited if detonated. The drone carried a powerful explosive, but a technical failure prevented its activation. Germany has not yet named those responsible, but a parliament member accused Russia.
German media revealed on Wednesday that the Ukrainian cargo plane, near which an explosive drone was found two days ago at Leipzig Airport, was loaded with military ammunition – a fact previously unknown, illustrating how severe the incident was, which could have led to a disaster. In Europe and the West, there is suspicion that Russian agents are behind the drone's infiltration – which apparently did not explode only due to a technical malfunction – into the airport's premises. The drone was discovered near a parking area adjacent to the runway where a Ukrainian Antonov transport plane was parked. Following the discovery, takeoffs and landings at the airport were halted, and flights were diverted to nearby airports. Later, it became clear that the drone carried explosives and a detonator, but a technical failure prevented the activation of the explosive charge. A robot brought to the scene neutralized it. According to German authorities, another aircraft, belonging to DHL, which was diverted to Hanover Airport, reported being hit by an object about 400 meters from the Leipzig airport, and it appears to have been another drone. Forensic experts concluded that the explosive attached to the drone was of great power and of the type used by militaries, likely Semtex. The ammunition on the Ukrainian plane had apparently been transferred shortly before from France to Leipzig. The investigation is defined as a terrorism investigation. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said the incident constitutes a hybrid attack at an elevated threat level. Parliament member Roderich Kiesewetter directly accused Russia.