Berlin, Germany – Political figures in Germany have expressed outrage following a CNN report that Russia allegedly plotted to assassinate Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall, Germany’s largest arms manufacturer. The report, based on information from US officials, has prompted heightened security measures around Papperger.
Heightened Security Measures
The German Interior Ministry has remained tight-lipped on the matter, but Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock appeared to confirm the threats. Speaking at the NATO summit in Washington, Baerbock emphasised, “In view of latest reports on Rheinmetall, this is what we have actually been communicating more and more clearly in recent months. Russia is waging a hybrid war of aggression.”
Kremlin Denial
In Moscow, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed the allegations as another “fake story,” urging the public not to take such reports seriously.
Corporate and Government Responses
Rheinmetall has refrained from commenting on corporate security issues, but Papperger acknowledged in an interview with the Financial Times that German authorities have significantly increased his security. Papperger is now considered one of the most highly protected figures in the German economy.
Rheinmetall plays a crucial role in supplying military equipment to Ukraine, including ammunition, armoured vehicles, and other essential supplies. The company recently opened a tank repair plant in western Ukraine and has plans to start producing Lynx infantry fighting vehicles in Ukraine later this year.
Government Stance on Russian Threats
While Chancellor Olaf Scholz did not directly address the assassination plot, he highlighted the well-known threats posed by Russia to Germany. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser stated, “We are taking very seriously the significantly heightened threat of Russian aggression.”
A senior NATO official recently informed the BBC that Russia is actively engaged in covert operations across Europe, including sabotage, arson, and assassination plots aimed at undermining public support for Ukraine. Foreign Minister Baerbock reiterated the need for Europe to protect itself against these multifaceted threats, citing cyberattacks and GPS signal disruptions as additional methods employed by Russia.
Suspicious Incidents Across Europe
In early May, a building complex owned by Diehl Metall in southwest Berlin caught fire. Although initially attributed to a technical fault, the possibility of sabotage has not been ruled out. Similar suspicious fires have been reported in Poland and Lithuania, further fuelling concerns over Russia’s aggressive tactics.
Germany’s Commitment to Security
The alleged plot to assassinate Papperger underscores the heightened tensions between Germany and Russia. As Europe faces increasing threats from Russian covert operations, German leaders are calling for heightened vigilance and unity in defending against such aggression.
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