The US and Germany have foiled a Russian plan to kill the CEO of arms maker Rheinmetall.
CNN reported this, citing five US and Western officials familiar with the matter.
US intelligence discovered earlier this year that the Russian government was planning to assassinate the CEO of powerful German arms maker Armin Papperger.
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Plan to assassinate Rheinmetall CEO
The assassination attempt was one of a series of Russian plans to kill defense industry executives across Europe who support Ukraine's war effort, the sources said. The plan to kill Armin Papperger was the most well-prepared.
When the Americans learned of this, they informed Germany, whose security services were able to protect Papperger and thwart the Russian plans.
In particular, the German Embassy in Washington declined to comment on this situation. CNN also contacted the Russian Embassy in Washington for comment.
Rheinmetall spokesman Oliver Hoffmann declined to comment.
— Necessary measures are always taken after regular consultations with security agencies, — said Hoffman.
It is noted that for more than six months, the Russian Federation has been conducting a sabotage campaign throughout Europe, mainly on behalf of, organizing arson attacks on warehouses associated with weapons for Ukraine and minor acts of vandalism. All this is aimed at preventing the flow of weapons from the West to Ukraine and suppressing public support for Kyiv.
Recall that in June, a joint workshop of Ukroboronprom and Rheinmetall began operating in Ukraine.
