Explosive-laden drone discovered near Ukrainian aircraft, flights suspended in Leipzig

Night flights at Germany’s Leipzig/Halle Airport were temporarily suspended after a drone equipped with explosives was found near a Ukrainian cargo aircraft.

The device was discovered near a Ukrainian Antonov aircraft. According to reports, explosives and a detonator had been attached to the drone, but a damaged ignition mechanism prevented the explosives from detonating.

The device was neutralized with the help of a specialized bomb-disposal robot. German security authorities have launched an investigation, which also involves NATO investigators.

Leipzig Airport, considered one of the main logistics hubs for shipments to Ukraine, remained closed to air traffic until the early hours of the morning. As a result, several flights were delayed, while a plane departing from Mallorca landed later after operations resumed.

Trump rejects Zelensky’s request for Patriot missiles

In diplomatic developments, United States President Donald Trump rejected a request from his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, for additional supplies of Patriot interceptor missiles.

The Financial Times, citing sources close to the talks, reported that Trump justified the decision by saying that the United States needed to retain these systems for its own security, particularly in the Middle East.

Zelensky has said that deliveries of air defense systems have been significantly reduced. He called on allies to speed up supplies in order to protect Ukrainian cities from Russian attacks.

Russian bombardments in Kyiv leave at least 17 dead

According to Ukrainian authorities, Russian airstrikes on Kyiv have killed at least 17 people, while dozens of others have been injured.

President Zelensky accused Moscow of striking the civilian population. The attack was also condemned by Italy’s Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, who described the targeting of urban areas as a violation of international law.

Target hit in Russia as Moscow strengthens defensive measures

Ukrainian forces announced that an industrial area in the Russian city of Ufa had been hit by a drone. Local authorities reported that there were no casualties, but the attack caused material damage at the site and sparked a fire.

As Ukrainian attacks against targets inside Russian territory increase, President Vladimir Putin announced the creation of a new structure. It will be responsible for protecting the rear areas and coordinating the army’s logistical forces.

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine is now in its 1624th day, as fighting and diplomatic pressure continue without a ceasefire agreement being reached.