Russia was preparing assassination attempt on head of German concern Rheinmetall, it was thwarted by Western special services - CNN

The special services of Germany and the USA thwarted an assassination attempt on the director general of the German Rheinmetall concern Armin Papperger. His assassination was planned by russia, which targeted defense industry executives across Europe.

CNN reported this with reference to unnamed American and European officials.

CNN interlocutors said that in early 2024, US intelligence learned about russia's plans to kill Papperger, who heads one of the largest arms production enterprises for Ukraine.

The plans to kill Papperger were just one episode in a series of russian plans to eliminate defense industry executives across Europe, officials said.

A senior German government official, who has not been named, confirmed to CNN that Berlin had received a warning from Washington that the attack was being prepared.

This enabled the German special services to react in a timely manner and ensure the protection of the director general of Rheinmetall.

It is noted that Papperger was an obvious target for russia. The concern headed by him is the largest and most successful manufacturer of vital 155-mm artillery shells for Ukraine, which have become a decisive weapon on the battlefield.

In the coming weeks, Rheinmetall is preparing to open a plant on the territory of Ukraine, which will be engaged in the production and repair of armored vehicles, which are no less important for the Ukrainian army.

The US National Security Council refused to comment on the existence of the russian conspiracy and the German warning.

However, NSC press secretary Adrienne Watson said in a statement that russia's intensification of its subversive campaign is something that Washington takes extremely seriously and has paid close attention to in recent months.

"The United States has discussed this matter with our NATO allies, and we are actively working together to expose and disrupt these activities... We have also made it clear that russia's actions will not prevent allies from continuing to support Ukraine," said the USA NSC representative.

Official representatives of Germany also refused to comment on the information about the failure of the russian attempt on the head of Rheinmetall.

As Ukrainian News Agency earlier reported, the day before, the American mass media reported that US military bases in Europe were put on high alert against the threat of sabotage from russia.

It will be recalled that in May of this year, the Financial Times reported with reference to its own sources that russia was preparing to carry out sabotage throughout Europe.