Western intelligence warning: Russia threatens the leaders of European defense companies

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Western intelligence services warned the leaders of European defense companies of the escalation of Russian threats aimed, they say, at assassinating officials in this sector, which prompted a number of companies to tighten personal protection measures for their executives.

According to a report published by the Financial Times, citing officials in five European intelligence services, the Kremlin ordered the expansion of what it called “operations of sabotage and hybrid warfare” on the continent, in light of the faltering Russian military advance in Ukraine and the increasing pressure on the Russian economy. These moves, according to officials, aim to weaken European support for Kiev in the coming months.

The report indicated that targeting European civilians, which was previously considered a red line within the Russian intelligence services, now occupies an advanced position within the new plans, according to the newspaper. The Financial Times added that the targets include CEOs and senior officials of major defense companies, as well as managers of smaller companies that manufacture drones and their components.

A senior European intelligence official said: “The threat level in Europe has increased, both to property and people.”

In Germany, the Internal Intelligence Service intensified its contacts with defense company departments and employees, recommending the use of specialized personal protection teams from the private sector. The head of the agency, Sinan Selin, also warned German representatives that, according to him, Russia was deliberately planning violent acts targeting individuals, through government elements or entities subject to state control, with increasing reliance on organized crime networks to carry out these operations.

Executives at defense companies, who requested to remain anonymous, confirmed that they had strengthened personal protection measures during the past six months based on direct recommendations from government security agencies. Others resort to these measures when traveling outside their countries, while one official indicated moving a production site in Western Europe to reduce its exposure to Russian threats.

These warnings bring back to the forefront the issue of the plan revealed by American and German intelligence in 2024 to assassinate Armin Baberger, CEO of the German company Rheinmetall, which plays a prominent role in supplying weapons to Ukraine.

According to intelligence sources, the Russian Military Intelligence Service (GRU) is suspected of being behind most of these operations. The goal, according to estimates, is not limited to actually carrying out assassinations, but also includes spreading fear among workers in the defense sector and pushing them to reconsider their cooperation with Ukraine, which may weaken European support for Kiev without the need to carry out threats.