# Russian drone threat and hybrid warfare in Europe

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/russian-drone-threat-in-southern-europe
> Updated: 2026-09-24T07:52:08.000Z. Sources: 312. Developments: 2.

Intelligence warnings have emerged regarding potential Russian hybrid operations in Southern Europe involving Gerbera drones. These drones, which have a range of approximately 600 km, may be launched from commercial vessels in the Mediterranean to target infrastructure in nations such as Spain, France, and Italy. Reports citing Lithuanian defense sources and the CIA suggest Russia may utilize its ‘shadow fleet’ of commercial vessels to transport Gerbera drones hidden within shipping containers. The drones are approximately two meters long with a 2.5-meter wingspan, weighing up to 18 kg, and capable of speeds of 160 km/h. While their explosive payloads of 4–5 kg are considered insufficient for large-scale destruction, officials warn they could be used to cause fires, damage equipment, or disrupt port and airport operations. Recent reports from El Mundo and Lithuanian sources indicate the CIA has warned several European governments about these potential attacks. While French President Emmanuel Macron has addressed the issue of Russian hybrid warfare, he stated that France had not received a specific warning regarding these drone attacks. Italian officials, including Defense Minister Guido Crosetto and Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, have publicly denied receiving any official warnings from the CIA, characterizing the reports as unconfirmed. In a recent address in Saint Petersburg, Russian President Vladimir Putin denied that Moscow is preparing for military conflict with Europe, dismissing claims of aggression as attempts to escalate tensions. He noted that the Kremlin is reviewing its position on resuming peace negotiations with Kyiv following recent Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory, specifically targeting energy facilities and e-commerce warehouses. Putin also accused Ukraine of damaging over 100 vessels in the Black Sea.

## Claims

- The CIA has warned the governments of Spain, France, and Italy about potential Russian drone attacks. (disputed by 26 sources)
- Russia is not preparing for any kind of conflict with Europe. (disputed by 17 sources)
- The Italian government stated it has received no official warnings regarding these potential drone attacks. (disputed by 13 sources)
- French President Emmanuel Macron denied that the CIA sent a warning about Russian drone attacks. (disputed by 7 sources)
- Russia is focusing on modernizing its military capabilities, including nuclear triads and drone systems. (disputed)
- Drones could be launched from commercial vessels in the Mediterranean using shipping containers to hide them. (corroborated by 31 sources)
- The suspected drones are Gerbera models. (corroborated by 31 sources)
- Reports indicate Russia may target Italy, Spain, and France with drones. (corroborated by 27 sources)
- All proposals for ending the war with Ukraine remain on the table. (corroborated by 18 sources)
- Russia will respond to Ukrainian provocations with retaliatory strikes. (corroborated by 18 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-24: Putin denies plans for conflict with Europe, re-evaluates peace talks

Vladimir Putin denied plans for conflict with Europe but stated Russia is re-evaluating peace talks with Kyiv following Ukrainian strikes on Russian civilian infrastructure and Black Sea vessels.

310 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russia-may-launch-maritime-drone-attacks-against-europe-cia-warns

### 2026-09-22: Lithuania strengthens naval defense amid European drone threat warnings

Lithuania is upgrading naval defenses with new anti-drone cannon systems amid intelligence warnings of potential Russian drone attacks targeting Mediterranean nations like Spain, France, and Italy.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lithuania-strengthens-naval-defense-amid-european-drone-threat-warnings

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Cite as: Russian drone threat and hybrid warfare in Europe. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/russian-drone-threat-in-southern-europe