Russia Expands Threats Against European Defence Executives

Intelligence officials from five European agencies have warned that the Kremlin is intensifying efforts to assassinate senior personnel at defence firms across Europe. The warning, conveyed to the Financial Times, says that both CEOs and other high-level employees are being targeted, prompting companies to bolster personal security. The threat is described as part of a broader “sabotage and hybrid” campaign aimed at weakening European support for Ukraine amid a stalled battlefield and a strained Russian economy.

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He added that the operations are evolving in terms of targets, methods and the involvement of organised-crime structures. Another official emphasized that many of the Russian efforts remain amateurish and can be countered.

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Several defence executives, who requested anonymity, said they have increased close-protection measures over the past six months on advice from government security services. The heightened security includes tighter personal protection for CEOs and senior staff, especially at smaller firms that produce drones or component parts. An incident in August, when two holiday-makers were arrested near the property of Saab CEO Micael Johansson in Sweden, illustrates the type of surveillance activities being monitored, though the individuals were released shortly thereafter.

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Analysts cited by the intelligence services argue that the intimidation campaign seeks to deter European firms from supplying Ukraine, thereby eroding material and logistical assistance. By targeting individuals rather than only assets, the Kremlin aims to generate fear that could translate into reduced commercial engagement with Kyiv. The ongoing security upgrades suggest that European defence companies are taking the threat seriously, even as the broader effectiveness of the Russian strategy remains uncertain.

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