NATO has confirmed that Russia intended to assassinate the CEO of Rheinmetall.

Russia was indeed preparing to assassinate Armin Papperger, the CEO of the German defense company Rheinmetall. His company provides military assistance to Ukraine.

This was stated by James Appathurai, Deputy Assistant Secretary General of NATO for Innovation, Hybrid and Cyber Technologies, as reported by RBK-Ukraine referencing Politico.

According to him, the assassination attempt on Papperger was part of a series of Russian plans to eliminate defense industry leaders across Europe. However, US and German intelligence thwarted Moscow's plans.

Thus, NATO officially confirmed for the first time the attempt by Russians to kill the CEO of Rheinmetall.

"We have observed instances of sabotage in NATO countries over the past two years, which I mean by train derailments, arson, attacks on the property of politicians, conspiracies to assassinate industry leaders, such as the head of Rheinmetall, but there were other plots as well," Appathurai explained.

He clarified that Russians recruit personnel to execute their plans via the Internet, employing "criminal groups, youth, or migrants" for their criminal activities.

"Typically, these (criminal acts - ed.) are carried out clumsily, but with a specific goal - to sow discord and undermine support for Ukraine," Appathurai stated.

He also emphasized that Russia is attempting to achieve victory "using any tools at its disposal," including damaging infrastructure or engaging in political interference.

Rumors of an Assassination Attempt on Papperger

Recall that in July of last year, CNN reported that the Russians wanted to kill Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger.

According to the channel, the US and Germany managed to thwart Russia's plans. The conspiracy was disrupted by German intelligence services.