Shock in Europe: Russia Operated to Blow Up an Airport in Germany

A Belarusian agent linked to the Russian military intelligence unit (GRU) was part of a cell that planned to blow up a Ukrainian transport aircraft at Leipzig/Halle Airport in Germany. The attack was foiled after a booby-trapped drone was neutralized. The German Foreign Minister and Interior Minister publicly accused Russia.

A Belarusian agent linked to the Russian military intelligence unit (GRU) was part of a cell that planned to blow up a Ukrainian Antonov transport aircraft at Leipzig/Halle Airport in Germany. The attack was foiled on August 4 after a booby-trapped drone was safely neutralized. Remnants of two additional drones were found nearby. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt publicly accused Russia. The agent, known as 'K', entered the Schengen area via Latvia on July 28. He is defined as a criminal hired to carry out sabotage operations. According to authorities, approximately 1.8 kg of Semtex plastic explosive was used. The Antonov aircraft contained about 25,000 liters of jet fuel, and investigators estimate that detonating the charge would have caused massive destruction. Security cameras documented the drone, which carried the explosive in a can, placed near the aircraft. The explosion was prevented only because the detonator broke. A day after the attempt, an antenna-like structure was found attached to a tree near the airport, with DNA remnants matching records from Finland and Lithuania. The explosives arrived via Bulgaria and Serbia. The drone was improvised, its parts manufactured on a 3D printer with four Chinese motors. European investigators note that the modus operandi is identical to previous GRU operations. K is still defined as a fugitive.