The US and Germany collaborated to thwart a Russian plot targeting the CEO of a German arms manufacturer, which is a crucial supplier of 155mm artillery shells to Ukraine, as reported.
Russian operatives planned to assassinate Armin Papperger, head of Rheinmetall, along with other executives from European defence companies supporting Ukraine’s military efforts. The plot, uncovered earlier this year, was reportedly advanced.
“We’re seeing sabotage, assassination plots, arson. We’re seeing things that cost human lives,” a senior NATO official stated during the 75th NATO summit in Washington, DC. “I strongly believe we’re witnessing a campaign of covert sabotage activities by Russia that carry strategic consequences.”
American intelligence detected the plot and alerted German authorities, who safeguarded Papperger and disrupted the plan. Rheinmetall, already operating a plant in Ukraine, plans to open an armoured vehicle factory soon as part of a broader initiative to establish four production facilities in Ukraine.
“Russia’s escalating subversion campaign is a matter of utmost seriousness for us, and we’ve been intensely focused on it in recent months,” declared National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson. “The US has been in discussions with our NATO partners, working together to uncover and thwart these activities. We’ve also made it clear that Russia’s actions will not deter our allies from supporting Ukraine.”
Reports suggest Russia has engaged in a sustained six-month effort to obstruct weapons shipments to Ukraine, employing tactics such as arson attacks on warehouses and other acts of vandalism, often involving local operatives.
