German political figures have reacted angrily to reports of a plot to kill Armin Papperger, the head of Germany’s biggest arms company Rheinmetall. According to a CNN report, US officials informed their German counterparts earlier this year about the alleged assassination plot, leading to increased security measures around Papperger.
The German interior ministry declined to comment on the matter, but Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock seemed to confirm the details, stating that Russia is engaging in a “hybrid war of aggression.” However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the allegations as a “fake story.”
Rheinmetall has refrained from commenting on issues of corporate security, but Papperger is now considered the most highly protected figure in Germany’s economy. The company, known for producing ammunition, has become a key supplier of arms to Ukraine, recently opening a tank repair plant in western Ukraine.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz acknowledged the threats posed by Russia, while Interior Minister Nancy Faeser emphasized the heightened risk of Russian aggression. A senior NATO official also highlighted Russia’s covert operations across Europe, including sabotage and assassination plots aimed at undermining support for Ukraine.
The reported plot has raised concerns among German officials, with calls for increased intelligence measures and potential diplomatic actions against Russia. The incident underscores the ongoing tensions between Russia and Western countries, particularly in the context of the conflict in Ukraine.
As the situation continues to unfold, the safety and security of key figures in Germany’s economy remain a top priority, with efforts to counter potential threats from hostile actors.
