Reports from CNN and The New York Times on Thursday indicate that the assassination plot was part of a series of plans orchestrated by Russian officials earlier this year. These plans aimed to destabilize European support for Ukraine by targeting prominent executives in the defence sector.
The U.S. government promptly informed Germany of the threat, enabling German security services to take necessary precautions to protect Papperger. Rheinmetall, in a statement, assured that it maintains continuous consultations with security authorities to implement appropriate protective measures.
While the Russian embassy in Washington and the Kremlin have yet to comment on these allegations, the news has already sent ripples through the international community. The Financial Times and NATO diplomats have also corroborated the plot, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
Rheinmetall, a leading global producer of artillery and tank shells, significantly increased its production following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. In May 2023, the company formed a joint venture with Ukraine’s state-owned conglomerate Ukroboronprom to establish and repair tank facilities in Ukraine. This move was met with threats from Russia, with former President Dmitry Medvedev warning of retaliation against any Rheinmetall facilities set up in Ukraine.
In addition to its joint venture, Rheinmetall announced plans in February to open an ammunition factory in Ukraine, further bolstering Ukraine’s defence capabilities against Russian aggression.
The discovery of this assassination plot underscores the escalating tensions between Russia and the West and highlights the risks faced by individuals and companies supporting Ukraine. As the conflict continues, the international community watches closely, aware that the stakes extend far beyond the battlefield.
