Russia had plans to assassinate the CEO of German defense company Rheinmetall, a key producer of artillery shells and military vehicles for Ukraine, as reported by CNN on Thursday. U.S. intelligence had informed Berlin of these plans, allowing German security services to foil the plot. The plot was considered “the most mature” among a series of Russian plans to assassinate European defense industry executives supporting Ukraine.
Rheinmetall, a major producer of artillery and tank shells, increased production after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. They are involved in a joint venture in Ukraine and have plans to open ammunition and armored vehicle factories in the country.
CNN also reported that Russia has been carrying out a sabotage campaign in Europe to stop the flow of Western arms to Ukraine. The NSC spokesperson emphasized the seriousness of Russia’s subversion campaign. Both the U.S. National Security Council and the German and Russian embassies in Washington have declined to comment on the reported plot against Rheinmetall’s CEO.