Attack in Leipzig linked to Russian intelligence — Politico Europe
In the German city of Leipzig, on August 4, a drone struck the wing of a Ukrainian aircraft at the airport and fell onto the airfield surface. A tin can containing explosives was attached to the drone, but it did not detonate. As Politico reports, the recovered device enabled investigators to compare it with explosive devices previously found in Lithuania.
German and European officials believe that this incident may be part of a broader campaign of sabotage and violence in Europe coordinated by Russian intelligence. According to three senior German and European officials, the main driver of the alleged campaign is Russia's GRU, in particular Unit 29155. The embassy of Russia, the aggressor state, in Berlin denied involvement in the Leipzig incident and other acts of sabotage in Europe.
Similar devices in Lithuania
In August 2024, Lithuanian law enforcement officers found two tins disguised as cans of corn at a cemetery in Kaunas. According to investigative materials, each contained 968 grams of explosives — approximately 700 grams in TNT equivalent.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
In January and June 2025, new caches containing similar explosive tins were discovered in Lithuania. Four of them had metal plates with round indentations, which investigators believe were intended to serve as shrapnel-producing elements during an explosion. Lithuania's forensic service determined that these plates were highly likely manufactured on the same machine. A similar plate was also found on the device attached to the drone in Leipzig.
Suspect in preparing the attack
German security authorities suspect Oleg Levushkin, a citizen of Latvia and Russia, of involvement in preparing the attack. According to information obtained by journalists, investigators consider him a logistics operative linked to the GRU. According to investigative materials, he arrived at Berlin Brandenburg Airport via Turkey in late July, rented a car on July 27, and on July 31 the vehicle was recorded near Leipzig Airport. Levushkin did not respond to a request for comment.
Lithuanian intelligence also links Unit 29155 to the sending of incendiary parcels to Poland and the United Kingdom in 2024. One of them caught fire during transshipment at Leipzig Airport on July 20, 2024, and another did so two days later in Birmingham, UK. European security authorities expect further hybrid operations, whose potential targets may include defense companies, critical infrastructure, and people involved in supporting Ukraine.
