Germany has formally accused Russia of directing an attempted explosive-drone attack against a Ukrainian-operated Antonov An-124 cargo aircraft at Leipzig/Halle Airport on August 4–5. Authorities said the drone, carrying 1.3 pounds of explosives, was found near the aircraft, which has been used to transport weapons to Ukraine. The detonator failed, averting a potential catastrophe. German officials allege Russia provided the equipment and expertise while using locally recruited agents to carry out the operation.
The accusation comes as German authorities investigate a separate sabotage attack on a critical power-grid substation in Brandenburg. Rockets carrying conductive material caused short circuits at the Turnow-Preilack substation, briefly disrupting power and forcing a generating unit at the nearby Jänschwalde plant offline. While the physical damage was limited, the attack highlights vulnerabilities in Germany’s critical infrastructure.
Berlin is responding with measures targeting Russian operations in Germany, including the closure of the Russian consulate in Bonn and the removal of the Russian House cultural center in Berlin. Additional sanctions and tighter border controls for Russian nationals are also planned. German intelligence is examining possible links between the Leipzig incident and similar operations across Europe, including Bulgaria, Italy, Poland, Romania, and the UK.
