On January 28, 2025, NATO made a serious accusation against Russia, claiming the country was involved in planning the assassination of Armin Papperger, the CEO of Rheinmetall, one of Europe’s largest arms manufacturers.
NATO’s Deputy Assistant Secretary General, James Appathurai, revealed the details during a speech at the European Parliament, as reported by Politico.
A Failed Assassination Plot
This isn’t the first time the issue has come up.
In July of the previous year, CNN reported that American and German intelligence services had intercepted a Russian plan to assassinate Papperger early in 2024.
However, at the time, Russian officials dismissed the report as a baseless hoax.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov was quoted saying, “It’s very difficult for us to comment on reports from various media outlets that lack any serious evidence and are based on anonymous sources.”
Despite this, Appathurai pointed out that similar incidents involving sabotage had occurred in NATO member states over the past few years, including train derailments, arson, and attacks on politicians’ property.
Assassination plots, like the one targeting Papperger, have also been part of these alleged Russian activities.
Russian Recruitment and Aims
Appathurai further explained that Russia has been reportedly recruiting people online for its conspiracies, including criminal groups, unsuspecting young people, and even migrants.
These efforts, according to NATO, are aimed at spreading panic and undermining support for Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict.
While Russia has consistently denied any involvement in sabotage activities across Europe, Peskov has labeled such accusations as “unserious” and “baseless.”
Rheinmetall’s Role in the War Effort
Rheinmetall has been an important player in the ongoing war in Ukraine, supplying significant amounts of weaponry to the Ukrainian forces.
Not only that, but the company has also started domestic production in Ukraine, with its first factory already operational.
Rheinmetall owns 51% of the company and has plans for three more factories, with the construction of the second one nearing completion.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte provided this update in December 2024.
However, Peskov responded by stating that Rheinmetall’s factory in Ukraine would be a legitimate military target for Russian forces, comparing it to any other military objective.
Background on Rheinmetall
Rheinmetall AG is a major German automotive and arms manufacturer based in Düsseldorf, Germany.
It was added to Germany’s DAX index in March 2023 and is now the largest arms manufacturer in Germany and the fifth largest in Europe.
Rheinmetall produces a range of military vehicles, including armored fighting vehicles and personnel carriers, both in tracked and wheeled versions.
The company’s name comes from the combination of “Rhein” (the river Rhine) and “Metall” (metal), symbolizing its origins and its industrial strength in the defense sector.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn