U.S. intelligence believes Moscow behind explosive drone found near Ukrainian plane in Germany — report

U.S. intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia's GRU military intelligence agency is likely responsible for an explosive drone discovered in early August near a Ukrainian cargo plane at Leipzig Airport in Germany, according to a report by ABC News on August 26. The agency's intelligence source stated that the drone's design and the explosive it carried were consistent with devices typically used by the GRU.

The United States reached the same conclusion in conjunction with German intelligence agencies. It is important to note that the drone did not detonate, as its triggering mechanism had been disconnected. German Federal Police have not commented further on the matter due to the ongoing investigation. The drone was believed to be intended to disable aircraft at the airport, delay shipments to Ukraine, and deter Germany from providing further support to Ukraine.

Leipzig Airport is a significant cargo hub utilized by the U.S. military and NATO allies for transporting weapons to Ukraine. On August 5, an explosive-laden drone equipped with a detonator was found on the runway at Leipzig/Halle Airport, situated near a Ukrainian Antonov An-124 cargo aircraft. The airport has been serving as a base for Ukrainian Antonov aircraft since 2022.

German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt stated on August 6 that the incident appeared to be the work of a foreign state and did not seem to involve amateurs.