CNN: Russian assassination plot against Rheinmetall-CEO thwarted
Armin Papperger advocates for stronger support of Ukraine. This reportedly makes Rheinmetall CEO a target for Russian services.
According to a report by CNN, the US and Germany have thwarted Russian plans to assassinate Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger. The Russian government allegedly planned to assassinate the head of the defense contractor, who supplies weapons and military vehicles to Ukraine, reported CNN, citing five government representatives in the US and Germany. The assassination plot is part of a series of Russian plans to assassinate leadership in the European arms industry, according to the report. The plot to assassinate Papperger was the most advanced.
According to the report, the US informed the German government about the assassination plans. German intelligence services were then able to protect Papperger and thwart the plot. Rheinmetall is one of the largest munition manufacturers worldwide and produces urgently needed 155-millimeter artillery shells for the Ukraine. The company is also opening a plant for armored vehicles in Ukraine in the coming week, which, according to a CNN source in Moscow, causes unease.
Papperger has advocated for more weapons deliveries to Ukraine. His company already operates a repair workshop for tanks in the western part of the country. In June, Papperger announced that he intended to expand cooperation with Kiev and wanted to deliver Lynx armored vehicles.
A spokesperson for Rheinmetall declined to comment on the CNN report. The company does not comment on matters of corporate security. "In regular coordination with the security authorities, the necessary measures are always taken," he merely said.
- The Russian government allegedly planned to assassinate Armin Papperger, the CEO of Rheinmetall, due to his support of Ukraine and the weapon deliveries his company provides.
- The United States shared intelligence about the assassination plans with Germany, allowing their secret services to protect Papperger and prevent the attempt.
- The thwarted attempt by Russian services on Papperger is concerning for Germany's politics, as Rheinmetall is a major player in the global arms industry and plans to open an armored vehicle plant in Ukraine.
- Despite the controversy, Rheinmetall continues to advocate for strengthened ties with Ukraine, with Papperger having announced plans to expand cooperation and deliver Lynx armored vehicles to the country.
