'Almost no doubt': Germany suspects Russia behind attack on Ukrainian An-124
Attack on An-124 in Leipzig poses a shared challenge for Ukraine and Germany (photo: Getty Images)
Berlin has almost no doubt that the attack on the Ukrainian An-124 Ruslan at Leipzig/Halle Airport was carried out by Russia, according to Spiegel.
German security services, after collecting and analyzing all the details of the case, concluded that the attack may have been carried out by Russia.
"The authorities (of Germany — ed.) currently have almost no doubt that Moscow is behind this attack," the media outlet writes.
Despite the fact that everything points to Russia, the German authorities are in no hurry to make official accusations against the Kremlin. The reason is that there is still no absolute certainty about this version.
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has suggested a "hybrid attack scenario." In fact, this referred to a covert operation organized by another state. Interestingly, the minister is also not yet rushing to name Russia as the culprit.
The investigation is still considering various versions, but regards them as extremely unlikely.
"If the suspicion is confirmed, the German government will have to respond. An immediate NATO investigation into this case is the minimum that can be done. Decisive steps may follow," the media outlet emphasizes.
Attack on Ukrainian aircraft in Germany
On August 5, a suspicious object was found near the Ukrainian An-124 Ruslan at Leipzig Airport.
It later became known that it was a drone. The airport's operations were temporarily suspended.
German media suggested that the Ukrainian aircraft was allegedly carrying ammunition.
However, Antonov Airlines immediately denied that the aircraft was carrying ammunition.
The drone was found to have targeted the most vulnerable part of the Ukrainian An-124's wing.
Investigators also uncovered initial evidence pointing to a possible Russian link to the attack.
