BILD: German Drone Manufacturer Supplying Ukraine Was Targeted For Poisoning With “Novichok”

• 19.08.2026, 14:19

The handwriting points to Russian involvement.

Stefan Tumann, the head of the German arms manufacturer Donaustahl , which supplies combat drones to Ukraine, was likely targeted for assassination using the nerve agent nerve agent "Novichok". German security forces warned the businessman of the threat in late 2025, according to BILD.

The German publication Die Zeit was the first to report on the plot to assassinate Tuman. According to journalists, the businessman was being followed by agents who were allegedly planning his murder.

German law enforcement officials informed Tumann of the specific threat shortly before Christmas 2025. Since then, the 39-year-old businessman has been under constant protection and regularly changes his place of residence.

“No one else acts this way”

CDU Bundestag member Bastian Ernst stated in an RTL documentary that, according to the information he had, the plan was to use “Novichok” for the assassination attempt:


“The information we have clearly shows that this was supposed to happen using ‘Novichok.’ No one else operates this way.”

According to Ernst, this suggests Russian involvement, although it is not yet possible to directly prove who exactly was behind the plot.

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“Novichok” is a group of extremely toxic nerve agents linked to Russia’s chemical weapons program. Substances from this group have previously been used in attacks on Russian opposition figures and defectors.

“A Very Personal War”

Tumann stated in an interview with RTL and Stern that he perceives the situation as a direct threat to his own life:
“I have become one of the greatest threats to Putin’s regime in Europe.”

According to the entrepreneur, Russia’s war against Ukraine has turned into a “completely personal war” for him, and he views the confrontation as a “duel for my life” with Russian military intelligence.

Due to the threat, Tuman has already prepared a will, completed organ donation forms, and drawn up a living will in case of serious illness.