U.S. warns defense companies of possible Kremlin sabotage – NYT

The United States has warned defense companies that the aggressor country Russia may be planning sabotage operations against them. The warning applies to companies both in the United States and abroad.

The warning was issued to company executives by the National Counterintelligence and Security Center, The New York Times reports. This body advises American companies on intelligence threats from potential adversaries.

It noted that Russian intelligence services are already conducting a number of sabotage operations against European defense companies "to undermine support for Ukraine from the Allies."

The heads of American companies were advised to monitor the territory of their facilities and personnel, as well as to watch for potential equipment malfunctions. Companies are advised to strengthen their physical and online security.

Separately, employees were warned against disclosing travel plans, changing their routes, and urged to report "suspicious incidents." In addition to protecting the facilities, the center proposed to strengthen the personal security of managers and other key employees.

According to the newspaper's sources, the warning was partly caused by "fears of a Russian attempt to assassinate the head of a German arms manufacturer." This refers to a possible plan by Russia to assassinate Armin Papperger, the CEO of Germany's largest arms manufacturer, Rheinmetall. The Kremlin's plans were uncovered by U.S. intelligence and passed the information on to German special services.

"Those who are involved in work related to Ukraine or other geopolitical conflicts should be careful about disclosing information about work, travel, personal and family information on the Internet. Attackers can use this information to determine access, location, and personal vulnerabilities," the center said in a statement.

Earlier, Western officials warned that Russia planned to install incendiary devices in cargo planes and detonate these devices at US warehouses or planes en route to the country.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, an act of sabotage was recorded on the territory of the Bundeswehr Air Force barracks located in Cologne, Germany. Unknown persons entered the barracks through a hole in the fence and probably poisoned the water supply.

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