German authorities are investigating a drone carrying explosives found at Leipzig/Halle Airport, with experts pointing to Russia as a potential perpetrator. The incident is being examined within a broader context of suspected Russian-backed sabotage across Europe.
Details surrounding the drone bomb at Leipzig remain scarce. However, some German reports suggest the explosive used was Semtex, a material also found in explosive devices discovered in Lithuania. The exact payload and potential damage of the Leipzig drone are still under assessment. Explosives expert Professor Jackie Akhavan noted that a metal drone casing could damage an aircraft, but the blast wave alone might only cause dents unless fragmentation was included.
Andrei Soldatov, an expert on Russian intelligence agencies, stated that suspecting Moscow is logical given a discernible pattern of sabotage and hostile activities attributed to Russia. This includes arson attacks on facilities supporting Ukraine and the deployment of drones over sensitive European sites. Germany is a significant supplier of military aid to Ukraine.
Soldatov suggested the incident serves as a message, demonstrating the capability to infiltrate a major European airport and warning adversaries of potential escalations. He noted that Russia faces pressure from Ukraine's long-range drone attacks and repeated setbacks.
Vladyslav D., who has made statements to investigators, claimed to have received over $2,000 in cryptocurrency for his actions, indicating a clear motive related to payment. Evidence from previous cases, reviewed by the BBC, suggests that Russian-linked proxies have been involved in handling and delivering drones and explosives to Germany.
