At the beginning of the year, US intelligence agencies apparently uncovered plans by the Russian government to assassinate Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger. The planned attack was part of a series of Russian assassination plots against defense industry managers across Europe who support Ukraine in the war against Russia. This was reported by US television channel CNN, citing American and Western intelligence sources.

Rheinmetall CEO Papperger Targeted in Advance Plot: The German Defense Company Has Supplied Artillery Ammunition and Military Vehicles to Ukraine and Plans to Open an Armored Vehicle Factory in the Country

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"After the USA learned of the plan, they informed Germany. The German security authorities were then able to protect Papperger and foil the plot. A senior German government official confirmed to CNN that Berlin had been warned of the plot by the USA.

A spokesperson for Rheinmetall stated in response to an email inquiry that the company generally cannot comment on matters of corporate security. "Necessary measures are always taken in regular coordination with the security authorities," he said.

Rheinmetall plays a central role in supporting Ukraine by supplying military equipment. The company plans to expand its production capacities in Ukraine to meet the demand for armored vehicles.

The revelations about the assassination plans come at a time when tensions between Russia and the West are at an all-time high. Western countries have imposed sanctions on Russia and are supporting Ukraine with military and humanitarian aid.

The Uncovering of the Murder Plot Highlights the Danger to Executives in the Defense Industry Involved in the Geopolitical Conflict Between Russia and Ukraine. The Close Ties and Collaboration Between Western Intelligence Services and Security Agencies Were Crucial in Identifying and Neutralizing Such Threats.