But as well as the means and the motive,Moscow does have form.The BBC has seen details of the investigation into a plot in 2024 in which Russian-linked proxies in Poland and Lithuania not only handled drones and explosives but also delivered them to Germany.The flying bombThe quadcopter was discovered at Leipzig airport late on Tuesday night,forcing one runway into lockdown as a bomb disposal robot rolled into action.On the tarmac close by were several Ukrainian Antonov cargo planes, stripes along their enormous bodies in the blue and yellow of the country's flag. Similar packages then ignited in the UK and Poland, causing extensive damage.A group of men are currently on trial in both Lithuania and Poland,where prosecutors believe they were part of substantial network of proxies recruited by Russian military intelligence.But there was a subplot that has been little discussed before .Last September, Lithuanian prosecutors said that investigators had also seized RDX explosives meant for "other terrorist attacks".
The amount was significant: equivalent to 6kg of TNT."Some of the devices were manufactured to intensify the blast," the prosecutor added.The BBC has since had access to case documents that describe how several of the men on trial were paid to transport those explosives around Europe,concealed in cans of sweetcorn and chopped tomatoes. He quickly uncovered a bin bag wrapped in brown tape."Inside were drone components: small plastic propellers, I think four pieces," Vladyslav told investigators.These items were to be left by a road in central Poland for pick-up.Finally there was a trip to Germany where he was given the code to access a hostel room in Dusseldorf.
He was instructed to leave the drones and other items inside.The intended targets were never revealed.Moscow's motive?In statements to investigators,Vladyslav D. said he was paid more than $2,000 (£1,487) in cryptocurrency for his efforts. You get something like that [bomb] into one of the biggest European airports and you send the message that,'Guys, we can do that.
- He was instructed to leave the drones and other items inside.The intended targets were never revealed.Moscow's motive?In statements to investigators,Vladyslav D.
- said he was paid more than $2,000 (£1,487) in cryptocurrency for his efforts.
- You get something like that [bomb] into one of the biggest European airports and you send the message that, 'Guys, we can do that.
Remember'," Soldatov explained."You hint to the adversary that you might cause a really big problem: that tomorrow might be more serious."And the potential motive? "It's all part of undermining support for Ukraine by pointing to dangers of escalation and,frankly, scaring the German authorities."He sees high potential for a surge in such hybrid attacks now because Ukraine has "changed the balance" of the war."My expectation is that such activity will increase quite sharply over the coming months . I think it's a dangerous moment."Related topicsWar in UkraineGermanyRussiaDronesUkraineMore on this storyDrone carrying explosives found at German airport,police sayPublished1 day agoUkraine hits two oil refineries deep in Russian territoryPublished18 hours ago
