Germany warns of security threats after alleged Russian plot to kill head of arms firm

By Oliver Towfigh Nia

BERLIN (AA) - Germany on Friday warned of mounting Russian threats amid reports about an alleged Russian plot to kill the chief executive of major German arms manufacturer Armin Papperger, whose company has been producing artillery shells and military vehicles for Ukraine.

“We do not comment on individual threatening situations. But one thing is very clear: We are taking the significantly increased threat from Russian aggression very seriously,” Interior Minister Nancy Faeser told German Press Agency (dpa).

We act together with international partners and the security authorities of the countries to protect Germany and thwart the plans of Russian President Vladimir Putin, she added.

The foiled plot against the head of Dusseldorf-based Rheinmetall was first reported by CNN.

Faeser stressed that “we won’t allow ourselves to be intimidated” amid Russian attempts to what she said was undermining support for Ukraine.

In view of the Russian threats, protective measures have been massively increased in the past two years, according to the minister. “The threats range from espionage, sabotage and cyberattacks to state terrorism,” she said.

The interior minister recalled two possible acts of sabotage that German counterintelligence had prevented in April. At that time, two men were arrested in Bavaria who were accused of planning sabotage actions, particularly against German support for Ukraine in the war against Russia.

“Our security authorities have acted very consistently and prevented possible explosive attacks in Germany. We will continue to do everything we can to prevent Russian threats in Germany,” Faeser said.

On June 18, Faeser had already warned of growing espionage and cyber threats from foreign adversaries including Russia and China.

"The threat to our democracy from espionage, sabotage, disinformation and cyberattacks has reached a new dimension," the minister told reporters in Berlin as she presented an annual report by Germany's domestic secret service.

Russia adjusted its intelligence strategy following the expulsion of its diplomats from Germany in 2023, according to Faeser.

The Kremlin is now waging a more intense, many-sided campaign against Berlin, and conducting espionage while also carrying out cyberattacks and disinformation operations, she added.