Italy dismisses report of CIA warning on possible Russian sea-launched drone attacks

Spanish newspaper El Mundo reported on September 24, citing sources, that the CIA had warned Spain, France and Italy about a possible Russian plan to launch drones from civilian vessels. A source close to Lithuania's Defense Ministry told the paper that Russian forces could use Geran-5 drones concealed in shipping containers, drawing a comparison to Ukraine's Operation Spiderweb, in which drones hidden inside truck trailers struck Russian military airfields.

El Mundo noted that Russian forces have reportedly launched drones from ships before, pointing to a drone shot down by Swedish forces in February 2026 and a drone strike on Leipzig Airport that German authorities attributed to Russia. British analyst Keir Giles told the paper that Southern Europe could be targeted for such an operation due to its "political fragility," since Spain, France and Italy are all scheduled to hold elections in 2027. He also noted that Spain lacks air defense systems capable of effectively countering drone attacks launched from the sea.

Russian outlet Agentstvo observed that, shortly before El Mundo's report was published, the pro-war Telegram channel Rybar had posted an article outlining a scenario in which Geran-5 drones would be supplied to Algeria, potentially putting strategic targets in southern France within range, including the Airbus production site in Toulouse. Several military analysts confirmed to El Mundo, on condition of anonymity, that they were aware of the CIA warning, adding that French authorities had taken it seriously and increased readiness for possible drone strikes.

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto responded on X, saying the alarm raised by the Spanish newspaper over possible attacks on Italy, Spain and France helps no one and is unsupported by evidence, adding that current times are already tense enough.

Over recent weeks, Western media have repeatedly suggested Russia could escalate hybrid warfare and sabotage against European countries supporting Ukraine. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk told parliament in mid-September that he had information about Russian plans for hybrid strikes using missiles and drones. Russian President Vladimir Putin, meanwhile, has said Russia does not threaten European nations, while Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev has warned that Lithuania would "disappear from the map" should it station nuclear weapons on its territory.