Germany identifies suspects in Leipzig airport drone plot as Berlin penalises Russia

German authorities have identified two suspects linked to an August 4 attempted drone attack targeting Ukrainian Antonov An-124 cargo aircraft at Leipzig/Halle airport. Investigative reports identified the suspects as a Belarusian national and a Russian-born citizen.

Berlin formally attributed the plot to Moscow, classifying the incident as part of an expanding pattern of Russian state-sponsored hybrid operations across Europe. In response, Germany ordered the closure of Russia's consulate general in Bonn and the Russian House cultural center in Berlin.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov denied Russian involvement, accusing Berlin of following a "path of further escalation" and warning that Moscow will implement retaliatory diplomatic measures.

Sources: Liga net, Mediazona, NV, Радіо Свобода, Українська правда