U.S. Intelligence Foils Russian Plot to Assassinate German Arms Manufacturer CEO

U.S. intelligence uncovered a Russian plot to assassinate Armin Papperger, CEO of German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall, known for producing military equipment for Ukraine. German security services have since protected Papperger. The plot is part of a broader Russian campaign targeting defense industry executives supporting Ukraine.

U.S. intelligence discovered a Russian plan to assassinate Armin Papperger, the CEO of German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall, which has been supplying Ukraine with artillery shells and military vehicles, CNN and the New York Times reported on Thursday.

The foiled assassination attempt was among several targeting European defense industry executives that support Ukraine, according to five unnamed U.S. and Western officials cited by CNN. The plot was identified earlier this year, prompting U.S. authorities to notify Germany, which subsequently shielded Papperger.

Rheinmetall, one of the principal producers of military shells globally, has escalated production following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The company has undertaken joint ventures to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities, drawing retaliatory threats from prominent Russian figures.