CNN-Report - Apparently, Russian assassination attempt on Rheinmetall-CEO thwarted
The USA and Germany, according to a report by the US cable news channel CNN, thwarted plans by Russia to assassinate Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger. The Russian government reportedly planned to target the head of the defense contractor, who supplies weapons and military vehicles to Ukraine, citing five government sources in the US and Germany. German intelligence services prevented the plans after being informed by the US.
Russia allegedly planned a series of murders of European managers in the arms industry to support Ukraine in its war against Russian invasion forces, according to CNN. The plan for the assassination of the Rheinmetall CEO was the most advanced.
Papperger had advocated for more weapons deliveries to Ukraine. His company, one of the largest munition manufacturers worldwide, operates a repair workshop for tanks in western Ukraine in partnership with the Ukrainian government. In June, Papperger announced that he intended to expand cooperation with Ukraine and planned to deliver Lynx infantry fighting vehicles.
German government comments on Rheinmetall report
A spokesperson for the company declined to comment on the CNN report. "In regular coordination with the security authorities, we always take the necessary measures," he told the German magazine stern.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens) commented on the CNN report on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Washington. She confirmed the "hybrid warfare" that Russia is waging. "And this once again underscores that we must protect ourselves as Europeans as best we can and not be naive," she added.
The German government declined to comment specifically on the CNN report. A spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of the Interior responded to an inquiry from the news agency AFP: "We cannot comment on the CNN report. In general, the German government takes the threats from the Russian regime very seriously. Our security authorities are very vigilant and act accordingly, in close cooperation with our international partners."
The German government will "not be intimidated by Russian threats," the ministry spokesperson also emphasized. The government will "continue to do everything in its power to prevent potential threats in Germany."
- The United States and Germany's joint actions to halt Russia's assassination plot against Rheinmetall's CEO garnered significant coverage on CNN, revealing a potential escalation in Russia's hybrid warfare tactics against the arms industry.
- The German government, in response to the CNN report, emphasized its continued vigilance against Russian threats and its commitment to protect its interests, mentioning Rheinmetall as a target due to its support for Ukraine's defense.
- Amidst growing tensions between Russia and the Western alliance, German defense contractor Rheinmetall's CEO, Armin Papperger, remained a vocal supporter of increased military cooperation with Ukraine, drawing the attention of Russian government agencies and leading to an alleged assassination plot.
