Kreml calls Rheinmetall-CEO's attack plans 'Fake News'
Russia denies involvement in Rheinmetall CEO Papperger's alleged assassination plans. Kremlin spokesperson Peskov criticizes the source information.
Russia has dismissed reports of alleged Russian assassination plans against Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger. According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov, it is difficult to comment on such rumors that are based on anonymous sources alone. "This is all being disseminated in the style of fakes, so such reports cannot be taken seriously."
Previously, CNN reported that US intelligence agencies had discovered plans by the Russian government to assassinate Papperger at the beginning of the year. The German side was informed, and Papperger was reportedly provided with increased security as a result. Rheinmetall declined to comment on the report, which also matches information from the "Süddeutsche Zeitung." The reports of assassination plans caused outrage in Berlin, with several politicians calling for a strong response if the reports prove to be true.
Russia's leadership has been accused of attempted or successful assassinations abroad in the past. For example, in 2006, former KGB agent Alexander Litvinenko was poisoned with radioactive polonium in London. In 2018, an attempted assassination with the nerve agent Novichok on defector Sergei Skripal also failed in the UK. In all cases, Russia has denied responsibility for such actions.
Rheinmetall is one of the largest European suppliers of tank technology and artillery shells for the Ukraine and, according to its own statements, the largest manufacturer of artillery ammunition in the Western world. In June, Rheinmetall opened a repair workshop for armored vehicles in western Ukraine, with plans to also produce new tanks.
In response to accusations, Russia denies any involvement in attempted assassination plots, such as the alleged plan against Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger. Despite these attempts being linked to Russia in various reports, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov emphasizes the need for reliable sources before making definitive statements.
