Russia steps up plots to kill European defence executives, FT reports

Russia is stepping up attempts to assassinate the heads of defence companies in Europe, the Financial Times reported, according to a summary published by Ukrainska Pravda on 11 October. RealUA has not seen the original FT article, and the claims below are as relayed by Ukrainska Pravda.

Smaller firms also at risk

According to the report, executives of smaller companies are also under threat, especially those that produce drones or drone components. The report names no targeted executives or companies.

German intelligence response

A representative of Germany's Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), the country's domestic intelligence agency, said the service has significantly increased its work with employees and management of German defence companies. This includes recommending that firms hire private personal-protection teams, the FT reported.

The report says responsibility for possible assassination attempts lies mostly with the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, better known as the GRU, Russia's military intelligence service. The source material does not say what evidence supports this attribution. It also contains no Russian response.

Context

European defence manufacturers have been expanding production of weapons, ammunition and drones, including for Ukraine, as the war with Russia continues. In 2024, CNN reported, citing US and European officials, that Russia had plotted to kill Armin Papperger, the chief executive of German arms maker Rheinmetall. Russia has not been shown to have admitted any such plan.

The FT report, as relayed, describes the threat as growing but gives no figures on the number of plots or arrests. It does not say whether any specific attack has been foiled.