Russian intelligence services were preparing an assassination attempt against CEO of German drone manufacturer Donaustahl, Die Zeit reports

Die Zeit reports that Russian intelligence services were allegedly preparing an assassination attempt against Stefan Thumann, CEO of German drone manufacturer Donaustahl. Donaustahl supplies reconnaissance and kamikaze drones to Ukraine. A document from the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution described the case as an alleged planned assassination that was frequently discussed in intelligence briefings in the Federal Chancellor’s Office.

In December 2025, Sergei N. approached Thumann’s home in Strasskirchen, Bavaria, filming the entrance and photographing the nameplate. German intelligence had received a tip about Thumann presenting an elevated threat risk. Bavarian police detained Sergei N. and seized his phones, but they couldn't decrypt the data. It was later discovered that he had been in contact with Russian intelligence officers and had also attempted to surveil Thumann’s father.

Sergei N. subsequently left for Spain with his family, but surveillance of Thumann continued by Alla S., a Romanian national living in North Rhine-Westphalia. Both were detained in March 2026. According to investigators, the actual assassination was to be carried out by other operatives. The arrest warrant did not include the murder plot theory, citing only suspicion of espionage activity.

Thumann, who founded Donaustahl in 2019, publicly criticizes Russia on his LinkedIn page, stating that Russia does not want peace and wants to destroy the West. Another defense company is also on Russian intelligence's radar, and its director's life might also be at risk. Serbian border guards stopped a truck with explosives in concealed compartments, containing contacts with Russian intelligence officers, with its destination in Bavaria.

Suspects Danilo B. and Slobodan D. are currently in pretrial detention. Russian agents have been surveilling Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger since 2024, and Berlin assumes such assignments were approved by the Kremlin.