# Russia-EU security and military tensions > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/russia-eu-security-and-military-tensions > Updated: 2026-09-26T05:41:27.000Z. Sources: 32. Developments: 2. Tensions between Russia and the European Union have escalated regarding military preparedness and regional security. Russian President Vladimir Putin has denied claims that Russia is preparing military action against the EU, accusing member states of exaggerating threats to justify defense spending. Security concerns have expanded to include the European Union’s industrial focus on drone production. Russian officials have labeled this expansion “uncontrolled” and a risk to regional security. Recent reports from the Spanish newspaper El Mundo suggest the CIA has warned European nations of a potential Russian hybrid warfare operation. This alleged plan involves launching Gerbera-type drones from merchant vessels in the Mediterranean to target critical infrastructure in Spain, France, and Italy. While French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto have disputed specific intelligence reports, Spanish military personnel in Romania have noted a significant increase in Russian drone incursions into NATO airspace since August, suggesting these may be tests of NATO response capabilities. In a broader regional context, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski warned that Russia may be planning significant actions, including a possible false flag operation to justify domestic mobilization. Meanwhile, the conflict continues to impact border regions, with Ukrainian forces launching drone and rocket attacks against Russia’s Belgorod region. Domestically, the Russian government has designated certain news outlets and journalists as foreign agents and introduced new tax packages to sustain increased defense spending. ## Claims - A purported CIA report warns of potential Russian drone attacks against infrastructure in France, Spain, and Italy. (disputed by 9 sources) - French President Emmanuel Macron denied that the CIA informed French services of such a drone attack threat. (disputed by 2 sources) - The drones would be launched from the sea by vessels belonging to a Russian ghost fleet. (corroborated by 9 sources) - Russian President Vladimir Putin denied that Russia is preparing for war with Europe. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Russia has been accused over the past year of harassing airports and military bases in central and northern Europe with drones. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Former President Dmitry Medvedev suggested that European nations should feel the danger of war directly. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The reported plan involves using Gerbera-type drones concealed in shipping containers on merchant vessels. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Spanish military officials in Romania reported an increase in Russian drone incursions into NATO airspace. (corroborated by 2 sources) - One Russian drone was shot down by Spanish forces in Romania on August 16. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto stated that the reports lack foundation. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-26: Russia accused of drone incursions and potential Mediterranean hybrid attacks Reports suggest the CIA warned of potential Russian drone attacks against Spain, France, and Italy using merchant vessels, though French and Italian officials have denied receiving such an alert. 19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russia-warns-of-risks-from-eu-drone-production-amid-security-tensions ### 2026-09-25: Russia denies EU military threats amid Belgorod attacks and Polish warnings Vladimir Putin denied plans for military action against the EU, while Poland warned of potential Russian provocations and Belgorod faced Ukrainian drone and rocket attacks. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russia-ukraine-conflict-drone-strikes-and-missile-agreements --- Cite as: Russia-EU security and military tensions. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/russia-eu-security-and-military-tensions