NATO: Russia planned assassination of German arms company CEO... He was selling weapons to Ukraine

NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General James Appathurai has alleged that Russia has taken action to carry out assassinations of defense industry executives in Europe. Speaking at the European Parliament's Special Committee on Foreign Interference, Appathurai stated that there have been sabotage attempts in NATO countries in recent years. The NATO official noted that these attempts include accidents on railway lines, arson, attacks on the property of political figures, and planned assassination attempts against high-level industry executives. According to the claim, one of Russia's targets was Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger.

In a statement to Politico, Appathurai suggested that Russia could use criminal groups, youth recruited online, and migrants as hitmen for such actions. Appathurai emphasized that the primary goal of these attempts is to spread fear in Europe and weaken support for Ukraine.

Recalling that NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has called on the alliance to shift to a 'wartime mindset,' Appathurai stated that Russia is using a wide range of methods to damage infrastructure, engage in political interference, and achieve its strategic goals.

This marks the first time a high-level NATO official has officially confirmed plans for an assassination attempt against the Rheinmetall CEO. In July of last year, it was alleged that US and German intelligence units had thwarted this plot, which was claimed to have links to Moscow.

NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General James Appathurai

POLAND AGAINST RUSSIAN GAS

Polish President Andrzej Duda emphasized that the Nord Stream pipelines, which were sabotaged in 2022, should be completely removed to prevent them from transporting gas to Europe in the future. Stating that Russia's attack on Ukraine should be a lesson for Europe, Duda stressed that gas flow should never be allowed through these lines again.

The Polish leader stated that the pipelines pose a strategic risk to Ukraine, Poland, and other countries in Central Europe.

Duda alleged that Russia is trying to increase its economic influence over Europe by using these lines, and reported that the threat posed by the pipelines in terms of energy security should not be ignored.

The Russian-owned Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines were disabled as a result of sabotage in September 2022. While repair work continues on the first line, the second line was never put into operation.

Polish President Andrzej Duda

NORD STREAM DEBATES

While uncertainty remains regarding those responsible for the sabotage, Sweden and Denmark concluded their investigations without results. German media, however, claimed that the attack could have been linked to Ukraine and might have been planned by the then-Commander of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Valeriy Zaluzhnyi.

The Kremlin announced that they are ready to provide gas to Europe via the only undamaged line of Nord Stream 2. It was stated that Gazprom has no plans to sell the pipeline.

During this process, American investor Stephen Lynch, who has operated in Russia for many years, proposed purchasing the pipeline to have a say in Europe's energy supply. However, Russia stated that it is not warm to this offer.

The Nord Stream Pipeline was sabotaged by 'unidentified' attackers in September 2022. Since Nord Stream was disabled, European countries have been importing significantly less gas from Russia than before

News Source: 12punto