German state prosecutors, including units focused on extremism and terrorism prevention, have taken over an investigation into a drone carrying explosives found at Leipzig airport in the vicinity of Ukrainian cargo planes. The drone was packed with highly explosive substances but failed to ignite properly after a detonator broke off, according to local media.
Emergency meeting and press briefing
Germany's interior minister will chair an emergency meeting this evening, bringing together federal and state authorities to examine the incident. A press briefing with further updates is expected around 7:30 pm local time (6:30 pm UK).
Calls for investigation into possible Russia links
The incident has sparked calls for an investigation into possible links with Russia, given its history of attempted sabotage in Europe. Moscow has denied involvement.
Leipzig's role in Ukraine support
Leipzig serves as a maintenance base for six Ukrainian Antonov cargo planes and is a large hub for military aid to Ukraine.
Separate DHL incident
In a separate incident, a DHL transport plane collided with an unidentified object near the same airport, causing minor damage to the aircraft.
In other news, at least 17 people were killed and more than 40 injured after another night of Russian attacks on Kyiv, as Ukraine repeated calls for help to protect its skies from ballistic missiles. Austria and Slovakia set new all-time high temperature records as large parts of central and eastern Europe face an extreme heatwave.
