# Russia plotting to assassinate European defense executives, Western intelligence agencies warn, FT reports

https://mins.news/en/item/96151

- Meduza, 2026-10-12 09:43 UTC
- World
- Original: https://meduza.io/en/news/2026/10/12/russia-is-plotting-to-assassinate-defense-industry-executives-in-europe-western-intelligence-agencies-warn-ft-reports

> Western intelligence services have warned European defense company leaders that Russia is intensifying efforts to physically eliminate them, the Financial Times reported, citing five sources. The Kremlin has reportedly ordered more sabotage and “hybrid” operations to weaken support for Kyiv. Defense executives and leaders of smaller drone-related firms are said to be targets. Sources say Russian military intelligence has changed its methods, working with organized crime and using cross-border networks to divide up operations.

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