Germany Cites Russia in Drone Attack Attempt at Leipzig Airport

German authorities have identified Russian intelligence services as responsible for an attempted drone attack near Leipzig Airport. Officials stated the incident involved drone activity over the Holzdorf airbase, a military training area situated approximately 25 miles from Leipzig. German air defense systems use this base to train Ukrainian soldiers.

Sebastian Fiedler, a member of the Bundestag's parliamentary control committee, stated that security services observed attempts to collect information about the training of Ukrainian soldiers. He characterized these actions as efforts to disrupt the training activities. Fiedler told a German newspaper that investigators attributed the drone flights to Russian intelligence services.

Konstantin von Notz, who chairs the parliamentary control committee, confirmed the detection of increased Russian intelligence activity in Germany. He noted that German security agencies had adapted to this activity. Notz reported an increase in hostile reconnaissance operations and attempted sabotage across Germany.

Government sources also reported a drone flew over the Holzdorf airbase in mid-January. The drone was observed in flight multiple times. German investigators have linked this incident to Russian intelligence services.

Western officials have previously accused Russia of conducting sabotage and disruption activities across Europe. These officials characterized such actions as attempts to reduce support for Ukraine and destabilize European nations.