Russian attempt to assassinate CEO of German arms firm foiled: Reports

US intelligence discovered that Russia planned to assassinate the chief executive of German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall - which has been producing artillery shells and military vehicles for Ukraine - CNN and The New York Times reported on July 11, citing five unidentified US and Western officials as saying the plot was discovered earlier in 2024.

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The US informed Germany, the report said, adding that German security services were able to protect Mr Armin Papperger.

Germany's Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said on July 12 that Germany is taking the reports very seriously.

"We will not allow ourselves to be intimidated by Russia and will continue to do everything we can to prevent Russian threats in Germany," said Ms Faeser.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, during a press conference at the Nato summit in Washington, said that the government was highly aware of the numerous threats to which it was exposed.

Rheinmetall said in a statement that "necessary measures are always taken" in regular consultation with the security authorities.

The Kremlin on July 12 denied the reports, which it claimed were based on "fake" information from anonymous sources.