U.S. intelligence officials warned German authorities earlier this year about a Russian plot to assassinate Armin Papperger, the CEO of Rheinmetall, Europe’s largest weapons producer. This warning, part of the Kremlin’s escalating sabotage campaign, was first reported by CNN on Thursday and confirmed by two Western officials.
Rheinmetall has been a key supplier of artillery shells and tanks for Ukraine, making Papperger a target in Russia’s hybrid war against the West. The warning underscores the increasing threat posed by Russian sabotage activities aimed at undermining Western support for Ukraine.
Over recent months, Europe has faced a surge in Moscow-led sabotage attacks or plots. Countries including Poland, Britain, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, and Germany have experienced a string of arson or attempted arson attacks, all linked to Russian intelligence.
While U.S., NATO, and German officials have not disclosed specifics of the assassination plan, they have expressed growing concern about Russia’s efforts to destabilize Western countries. “Russia’s intensifying campaign of subversion is something that we are taking extremely seriously and have been intently focused on over the past few months,” said Adrienne Watson, spokesperson for the National Security Council. She emphasized that these actions would not deter the Allies from supporting Ukraine.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg echoed these sentiments, stating that Russia’s hybrid attacks only strengthen Western resolve. “There is a pattern, a Russian campaign organized by the [Russian] security services to conduct hostile actions against NATO allies,” Stoltenberg said. “These are not standalone incidents but part of a campaign.”
The German government also highlighted its vigilance against Russian threats. In April, German law enforcement arrested two German-Russian men for plotting sabotage attacks on U.S. facilities in Bavaria. One suspect, Russian-born Dieter Schmidt, had discussed potential targets with an individual tied to Russia’s military intelligence service.
Germany’s Interior Ministry did not comment on the specific plot against Papperger but confirmed thwarting possible acts of sabotage aimed at military support for Ukraine. “The German government will not allow itself to be intimidated by the Russian threats,” the ministry stated.
Efforts to curb Moscow’s covert operations included expelling hundreds of suspected Russian intelligence officers serving as diplomats immediately after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Despite these measures, Moscow continues to work through proxies and recruits online.
Documents obtained by a European intelligence service reveal the breadth of Russia’s efforts to recruit potential agents. In July 2023, Kremlin political strategists reviewed the Facebook profiles of over 1,200 employees at major German plants, seeking individuals to manipulate into stirring unrest.
Rheinmetall, under Papperger’s leadership, has been crucial in Ukraine’s defense, providing 155mm artillery shells, military drones, and tanks. The company is set to begin producing artillery shells in western Ukraine soon.
As Russia ramps up its hybrid warfare tactics, NATO and its allies remain committed to supporting Ukraine and countering these threats. The foiled assassination plot against Papperger serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing dangers posed by Russia’s subversive actions.