Western intelligence agencies are alerting defense company executives that they are increasingly being targeted by Russian operatives. Officials from five European intelligence organizations, speaking with the Financial Times, noted that Russia is intensifying its efforts to assassinate senior leaders in the defense sector, prompting enhanced personal security measures among these executives.
As battlefield progress in Ukraine remains stalled and Russia’s economy falters, the Kremlin has activated a plan to expand its sabotage and “hybrid” operations in Europe, aiming to undermine support for Ukraine. According to the intelligence agencies, targeted assassinations of European civilian leaders, previously regarded as a taboo by Russian intelligence, are becoming more central to these operations.
The threat extends beyond major companies; officials indicated that executives at smaller firms, particularly those involved in manufacturing drones and components, are also at risk. “The threat level has risen in Europe, threatening both property and people,” remarked a senior official from a European intelligence agency.
Sinan Selen, the head of Germany’s domestic intelligence service, the BfV, addressed lawmakers on Monday, stating, “Russia is engaged in the deliberate planning of acts of violence against individuals by state or state-controlled actors.” He added that there is a noticeable evolution regarding the targets, methods, and personnel involved, which now includes organized crime structures.
Several defense executives, speaking on the condition of anonymity, revealed that they have enhanced their personal protection measures in the past six months, following advice from government security services. One intelligence official commented on the psychological impact of these threats, saying, “The main goal from the Russian perspective is still psychological. Just by making people feel they might be a target, they are having their effect. They want individuals to think twice before doing business with Ukraine.”
Despite the heightened alert, one official emphasized that many Russian operations appear amateurish and can be effectively countered. For instance, in August, two holidaymakers were arrested in Sweden near the residence of Saab CEO Micael Johansson, but were released shortly thereafter.
