European intelligence services warn of Russian assassination plots targeting defense executives, prompting firms to tighten security and move production

Western intelligence agencies have warned executives in Europe’s defense industry that Russian operatives pose an increasing assassination threat, with companies that support Ukraine among the targets, the Financial Times reported, citing officials from five European intelligence services.

The officials said senior executives, particularly those involved in manufacturing drones or supplying military equipment to Ukraine, were being targeted. Russia’s military intelligence agency, the GRU, was also said to be working more closely with organized crime groups and cross-border networks to surveil potential targets and coordinate attacks.

Some defense companies have strengthened security for executives over the past six months, while others have reportedly moved production facilities in response to Russian threats. Intelligence officials described the campaign’s main purpose as psychological: to intimidate industry leaders and discourage companies from supporting Ukraine.

In July 2024, reports said U.S. and German authorities had thwarted a Russian plot to assassinate Rheinmetall chief executive Armin Papperger, whose company supplies military equipment to Ukraine.