German defence startup CEO in hiding after Russian plot
The head of a German defence startup supplying attack drones to Ukraine has been living in hiding for months due to an alleged Russian assassination plot, reports said Tuesday.
Donaustahl, a German defence startup supplying attack drones to Ukraine, finds its CEO in hiding due to an alleged Russian assassination plot. Stefan Thumann, the company's CEO, revealed in a joint interview with RTL and Stern magazine that he has been living "underground" since late 2025. German officials warned Thumann of the plan by Russian intelligence in December of the same year.
He now faces constant relocation, 24-hour personal security, and a life devoid of his private affairs. Two "disposable agents," often recruited and trained for small sums, were arrested in March for spying on Thumann to prepare the assassination bid. Despite the danger, Thumann drew up his will and filled out an organ donor card after learning about the plot.
He now sleeps next to his computer and begins work immediately upon waking up to avoid dwelling on his situation. Thumann's personal war has become intertwined with the war in Ukraine. Donaustahl is one of several defense tech startups in Germany that have risen to prominence by developing high-tech drones crucial to the conflict.
In 2024, the United States thwarted a Russian plot to assassinate Armin Papperger, the CEO of German defense giant Rheinmetall.
Written by urgent.news from The Local Germany's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
