A German entrepreneur running a startup that develops drones for Ukraine claims he is living under constant threat of an assassination plot attributed to Russia. Stefan Thumann, CEO of the Bavarian company Donaustahl, said he has been under high protection since December 2025, when German authorities warned him of a danger. Shortly after, he was informed that the threat originated from Russia and that an assassination attempt was planned against him. Thumann said he has been living in isolation, surrounded by bodyguards, and has been communicating with his family only sporadically and digitally. Thumann stated that he believes his life will only return to normal when the Russian regime has been overthrown, but he also considers it possible that the Russians may succeed in eliminating him. He noted that every defense company in Europe is to varying degrees a target for the Russian army. In his case, two suspects have been arrested, described by German intelligence as "disposable agents" recruited through social networks and small amounts of money to carry out operations. Germany has accused Russia of being behind several incidents, including an explosive drone attack at Leipzig Airport in early August and incendiary devices launched against buildings in Munich housing arms companies in early September. In the case of the Munich attack, two Bulgarian nationals were arrested, though no sponsor was identified. Russian authorities have denied these accusations. German authorities have confirmed that two suspects were arrested in connection with Thumann's case. They are considered disposable agents used by Russian intelligence. According to German intelligence, Moscow often recruits such agents through social networks and small amounts of money, complicating investigations and limiting the exposure of Russian state agencies. Thumann's company, Donaustahl, is a modest actor in the defense sector, positioning itself as a "disruptor" seeking to challenge an industry considered too heavy and slow to adapt to technological changes on battlefields. The company's model is based on decentralized mass production of relatively inexpensive drones, which Thumann believes has attracted the attention of Russia. His concept involves developing attack devices and drone interceptor warheads, entrusting their production to multiple companies across Europe. Thumann argues that the German government needs to assess the extent of the threat and cannot "just engage in symbolic politics." He believes Germany is already in a real war. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov echoed this sentiment, calling the German accusations after the Leipzig incident the "beginning of a real war."