U.S. intelligence has uncovered a Russian plan to assassinate Armin Papperger, the CEO of German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall, which produces artillery shells and military vehicles for Ukraine. This information was reported by CNN and the New York Times on Thursday.
According to CNN, the plot to kill Papperger was part of a broader scheme by the Russian government to target defence industry executives across Europe who are supporting Ukraine. The discovery of this plot occurred earlier this year, with the U.S. promptly informing Germany. Consequently, German security services were able to safeguard Papperger.
When questioned about the report during a press conference at the NATO summit in Washington, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz declined to comment. However, he emphasised that the government is acutely aware of the numerous threats it faces.
Rheinmetall responded with a statement asserting that they consistently take necessary security measures in coordination with authorities. The Russian embassy in Washington and the Kremlin did not provide immediate comments.
The New York Times also cited multiple Western officials in its report, with the Financial Times confirming the plot through NATO diplomats.
Rheinmetall, a leading global producer of artillery and tank shells, has increased its production following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
In May 2023, Rheinmetall announced a joint venture with the Ukrainian state-owned conglomerate Ukroboronprom to build and repair tanks in Ukraine.
Following this, Dmitry Medvedev, Russia’s former President and a close ally of President Vladimir Putin, warned of retaliation against any Rheinmetall facilities in Ukraine. Additionally, Rheinmetall plans to open an ammunition factory in Ukraine, as announced in February.
Two months later, Papperger’s garden house was set on fire, an incident attributed to far-left activists by the tabloid newspaper Bild.
Despite these events, Leonardo, an Italian defence company that recently formed a joint venture with Rheinmetall to produce tanks, has no plans to enhance security measures for its executives, according to a source familiar with the matter.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, when asked about the CNN report at the NATO summit, remarked that Russia is conducting a hybrid war of aggression, including cyberattacks and infrastructure sabotage. She stressed the need for Europe to protect itself diligently and avoid naivety.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, addressing the CNN report, noted a pattern of hostile actions by Russia against NATO, which he said has only strengthened allies’ resolve to support Ukraine.
A spokesperson for Germany’s Interior Ministry refrained from commenting on the CNN report but emphasized the government’s serious approach to the threats from Moscow.
The spokesperson highlighted the vigilance and proactive measures of Germany’s security authorities, undertaken in close cooperation with international partners. They assured that the federal government remains undeterred by Russian threats and committed to preventing any potential dangers within Germany.
Germany’s domestic intelligence services also declined to comment on the matter. Similarly, a spokesperson for Saab, a Rheinmetall peer, declined to comment on the CNN report. They stated that, as a defence company, Saab maintains preparedness and routines to protect both its operations and employees.
Main Image: Rheinmetall
