Germany stands firm against Russia following reported plot to assassinate Rheinmetall CEO Government declares

Germany stands resolute in the face of reported Russian attempts to assassinate Armin Papperger, CEO of arms manufacturer Rheinmetall, emphasizing that it will not yield to intimidation tactics from Russia, the German government declared on July 12.

Reports from leading American media outlets revealed that U.S. intelligence uncovered a Russian plot aimed at targeting executives within Europe's defence industry who support Ukraine's military efforts, Caliber.Az reports citing Reuters.

Washington promptly alerted Germany, enabling German security services to safeguard Papperger.

"We refuse to be intimidated by Russia and will continue to take all necessary measures to counter Russian threats within Germany," Interior Minister Nancy Faeser affirmed.

While Rheinmetall did not directly confirm the reports, the company stated that it consistently implements security measures in consultation with authorities.

The Kremlin dismissed the reports as baseless and unsubstantiated, refuting any credibility to the claims.

Meanwhile, German defence group Hensoldt, known for producing radar technology crucial for Ukraine's defence systems, announced a reassessment of its security protocols in light of the revelations.

This incident follows Germany's April arrest of two German-Russian nationals suspected of plotting sabotage attacks, including targeting U.S. military facilities, aimed at undermining support for Ukraine.

Reflecting on past incidents, Justice Minister Marco Buschmann highlighted the seriousness of the situation, referencing Russia's responsibility for the 2019 assassination of an exiled Chechen-Georgian dissident in Berlin.

"Our security forces are well-prepared. Russia seeks to weaken us, but we are capable of defending ourselves," Buschmann asserted.

Amid concerns over Papperger's safety, heightened security measures have been implemented, drawing parallels to the protection afforded to Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Roderich Kiesewetter, vice-chair of the parliamentary intelligence oversight committee, warned of potential future Russian threats in Germany, cautioning against espionage, sabotage, and targeted attacks.

"While the attempt on Papperger's life was thwarted, we must remain vigilant as Russia continues to pose threats through various means," Kiesewetter emphasized to Handelsblatt.