World · Europe · 13 hrs ago
Western intelligence warns of Russian threats against European defense executives
Western intelligence services have warned leaders of European defense companies that Russia is stepping up efforts to kill them.
The warning involves executives at large companies and leaders of smaller firms, especially those making drones or drone parts.
The reported plans form part of a wider Russian campaign of sabotage and other operations in Europe aimed at weakening support for Ukraine.
Intelligence officials believe Russian military intelligence is behind the activity and has changed how it operates, including working with organized crime groups and dividing tasks among different people and cells.
One official said the campaign may be intended mainly to frighten people and make them think twice about doing business with Ukraine.
Companies have increased security for senior executives, and Germany’s domestic intelligence agency has advised defense firms to consider private security.
The warning follows reports in 2024 that Russia planned to kill Rheinmetall chief Armin Papperger, which NATO later said it knew about.
Western intelligence services have warned European defense company leaders that Russia is stepping up efforts to kill them, the Financial Times reported.
The reported targets include company CEOs, other senior executives and leaders of smaller firms, especially those making drones or drone components.
Companies have increased personal security, while Germany’s domestic intelligence agency has stepped up its work with defense companies.
A Western intelligence official said Russia’s main goal is still psychological: making people think twice before doing business with Ukraine.
- Who
- Western intelligence services warned European defense company leaders. Russian military intelligence is believed to be responsible for planning and carrying out sabotage.
- What
- Intelligence services warned that Russia is stepping up efforts to kill defense industry executives in Europe.
- When
- The warning was reported on October 11 and 12, 2026.
- Where
- Europe, with Germany’s domestic intelligence agency also working with German defense companies.
- Why
- A Western intelligence official said Russia’s main goal is psychological and to make people think twice before doing business with Ukraine.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
It was reported that Russia had planned to assassinate Rheinmetall head Armin Papperger.
NATO confirmed it had known about the plans targeting Papperger and other suspected Russian sabotage and subversion.
Reports said Western intelligence services had warned European defense company leaders of Russian threats.
- Reported targets
- CEOs, senior executives and leaders of smaller European defense firms
- Particularly targeted firms
- Producers of drones or drone components
- German agency
- BfV
- Previous reported target
- Armin Papperger, head of Rheinmetall
- Source basis
- The Financial Times report cited five sources
What people are saying
Just by making people feel they might be a target, they are having their effect. They want individuals to think twice before doing business with Ukraine.
were still amateurish
Sources
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