Germany set to name suspect behind Leipzig drone attack on Ukrainian plane

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told public broadcaster ARD on Sunday evening that the investigation into the 4 August drone incident at Leipzig/Halle airport is nearing completion, with the federal government having reached broad internal agreement on how to respond. He said an announcement would come within days.

Berlin has not yet officially named a suspect behind the attempted attack on a Ukrainian Antonov cargo aircraft used for military supply transport, though speculation has widely pointed to Moscow's involvement.

A drone carrying explosives was found near the aircraft, which was fuelled with kerosene; it appeared intended to land on the wings but failed to detonate. About 20 minutes later, a second drone possibly collided with a DHL cargo plane, forcing it to abort landing and divert. Days later, a third drone was discovered in a field bordering the airport's western edge, with forensic testing suggesting possible traces of the explosive hexogen — which also failed to detonate. Reports citing the investigators' findings suggest the perpetrators may have been planning a far larger attack than previously understood.

Moscow has denied any involvement. Merz said the information being prepared is being closely coordinated with Germany's European and Nato partners, and that any response would be carried out jointly with them. It has been suggested the announcement could come during this week's meeting of EU defence and foreign affairs ministers in Wicklow, Ireland.

According to reports by Die Welt and Politico citing sources, the German government intends to blame Russia and respond with a new, extensive sanctions package coordinated with Brussels, along with tougher measures against Russia's so-called shadow fleet of oil tankers. The potential closure of Russian House, a Russian cultural institution in central Berlin, is also reportedly under consideration, which could prompt Russia to close Germany's Goethe Institute in response.

The timing carries political weight, with a closely watched election in eastern German states taking place this Sunday, where the populist AfD is expected to perform strongly. The AfD's foreign policy spokesperson said he did not doubt Germany faces hybrid threats but called on the government to first establish transparency about the facts rather than speculate on responsibility.