German law enforcement authorities are considering several explanations for the recent drone incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport, including a possible false-flag operation involving Ukraine, according to Die Zeit.

One of the scenarios under review is that the Ukrainian side could have used its extensive experience with drone operations to stage an incident designed to associate responsibility with Russia.

Under this theory, the aim could have been to strengthen perceptions among the German public of a growing Russian threat and encourage further military support for Ukraine.

Die Zeit also pointed to significant weaknesses in this version of events. Germany is already among Ukraine’s most active supporters, while such an operation would have created a threat to a Ukrainian transport aircraft. The publication also noted that it would be difficult to predict how German society might react if Kiev were found to have been involved in such an incident.

The episode occurred on the evening of August 4 at Leipzig/Halle Airport, where a drone carrying explosives was discovered. An airport employee spotted the device near a Ukrainian An-24 transport aircraft carrying ammunition.

It was later established that the drone contained around 800 grams of Semtex explosive.

Commenting on the incident, German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said it could be interpreted as a hybrid terrorist act.