Russia planned to kill earlier this year the CEO of the German arms company "Rhinemetall" Armin Paperger, CNN reported today, citing five unnamed US and Western intelligence officials. The company produces artillery shells and military machines for Ukraine, BTA reported.
According to CNN, the plot to kill the head of "Rheinmetall" was one of a series of plans by the Russian government to eliminate senior European defense industry executives supporting Ukrainian forces.
The United States has informed Germany, reports CNN, which adds that German security services managed to protect Paperger. In a statement from "Rheinmetall" it is said that "necessary measures are always taken" after regular consultations with the security authorities.
The German arms company is one of the largest producers of artillery and tank shells. It began increasing its production after 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine, Reuters notes.