Kremlin denies plot to assassinate CEO of German arms manufacturer

The Kremlin on Friday denied reports that it had plotted to assassinate Armin Papperger, CEO of German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall.

"It is very difficult for us to comment on the reports of various media outlets that do not contain any serious arguments and are based on some anonymous sources," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the press in Moscow. He described the reports as "fake news" and said they should not be taken seriously.

Peskov was responding to a CNN report that Russia was plotting to assassinate defence industry executives across Europe who were supporting the Ukrainian war effort. 

The plan to eliminate the chief executive of Rheinmetall, which produces artillery shells and military vehicles for Ukraine, is said to have been the most advanced. Papperger, 61, was subsequently given special protection. 

The company itself did not comment, but reports of the assassination plans caused a stir in Berlin. Several politicians called for a tough response if the news proved true. 

^{Armin Papperger, CEO of German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall © INA FASSBENDER / AFP}