German investigators suspect the GRU of coordinating the logistics of an attack involving an explosives-laden drone at Leipzig Airport

German investigators suspect that a member of Russia’s military intelligence service, the GRU, took part in preparing a hybrid attack involving a drone loaded with explosives, discovered on August 4 in the secured area for cargo operations at Leipzig Airport.

According to the daily Welt am Sonntag, Russian national Oleg Le allegedly coordinated the logistics of the plan targeting the airport in eastern Germany. A second suspect identified by authorities is Belarusian national Andrei Ka. The two were reportedly identified based on DNA traces found at the airport.

Investigators believe the explosives may have been transported to Germany concealed in trucks that passed through Bulgaria and Serbia. Oleg Le allegedly entered Germany from Turkey and later left for Serbia from Berlin Airport. He is currently believed to be in Russia.

The drone was found near a Ukrainian cargo aircraft. Leipzig Airport is also used to transport military equipment.

The information prompted Berlin to accuse Russia of involvement and announce measures against several Russian institutions. Moscow rejected the allegations. The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution declined to comment, citing the ongoing investigation. Germany has recently been investigating several acts of sabotage and cyberattacks generally attributed to Russia.