German drone CEO living in hiding over alleged Russian assassination plot

Stefan Thumann, CEO of German defense firm Donaustahl, revealed he has been living in hiding for months due to a Russian assassination plot. German authorities alerted him in late 2025 about the alleged plot orchestrated by Russian intelligence services.

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I am constantly changing locations, I have 24-hour close protection; my private life has ceased to exist.

"I am constantly changing locations, I have 24-hour close protection; my private life has ceased to exist," Thumann told RTL television and Stern magazine. The 39-year-old described the situation as a "duel for my life against the Russian military intelligence service."

Donaustahl specializes in attack and reconnaissance drones, as well as drone software, making it a key supplier to Ukraine. Thumann stated that the conflict in Ukraine has become "my own personal war."

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I am fighting a duel for my life against the Russian military intelligence service.

In March, prosecutors announced the arrest of two individuals described as "expendable agents" who allegedly spied on Thumann to prepare for his murder. However, media reports suggest the threat may persist. RTL cited a German parliamentarian who claimed preparations to eliminate Thumann were advanced, including the potential use of a nerve agent.

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These are things you don't really think about at my age.

Thumann recounted the shock of discovering the plot, leading him to write his will and fill out an organ donor card. "These are things you don't really think about at my age," he confided. He works from his computer as soon as he wakes up to distract himself from his situation. Donaustahl is among several German startups gaining prominence for developing advanced drones crucial for military operations in Ukraine. In 2024, the U.S. reportedly thwarted a Russian plot to assassinate the CEO of Rheinmetall, another major German defense contractor.

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The conflict in Ukraine has become my own personal war.