Stefan Thumann, founder of the weapons manufacturer Donaustahl that supplies Ukraine with combat drones, has gone into hiding following a suspected assassination plot by the Russian military secret service. Thumann disclosed in an interview that he is living under heavy security and has made a will, organ donation, and living will due to the threat. German federal prosecutors arrested two disposable agents in March who were spying on Thumann to prepare further secret service operations. The plan allegedly involved killing Thumann with the nerve agent Novichok. German security officials see this case as an example of an escalating hybrid Russian warfare campaign in Germany, targeting leaders of defense companies to intimidate them from supporting Ukraine with weapons technology. Numerous espionage activities including spying on defense companies, photographing military sites with drones, and scouting railway logistics routes have been documented. Officials warn Germany needs improved capabilities to detect and prevent such attacks. A recent near-attack with a drone carrying explosives at Leipzig Airport was prevented by chance.

Stefan Thumann, founder of the weapons manufacturer Donaustahl that supplies Ukraine with combat drones, has gone into hiding following a suspected assassination plot by the Russian military secret service. Thumann disclosed in an interview that he is living under heavy security and has made a will, organ donation, and living will due to the threat. German federal prosecutors arrested two disposable agents in March who were spying on Thumann to prepare further secret service operations. The plan allegedly involved killing Thumann with the nerve agent Novichok. German security officials see this case as an example of an escalating hybrid Russian warfare campaign in Germany, targeting leaders of defense companies to intimidate them from supporting Ukraine with weapons technology. Numerous espionage activities including spying on defense companies, photographing military sites with drones, and scouting railway logistics routes have been documented. Officials warn Germany needs improved capabilities to detect and prevent such attacks. A recent near-attack with a drone carrying explosives at Leipzig Airport was prevented by chance.