Putin in a rage - strikes with 'mass casualties' possible in Europe

An analyst has warned of a possible bloody provocation by Putin against NATO. Russia could launch drone strikes on targets in Italy, France, and Spain using civilian vessels in the Mediterranean Sea. There is no official confirmation.

An analyst has warned of a possible bloody provocation by Russian dictator Vladimir Putin against the North Atlantic Alliance. Russia may consider European countries as potential targets for attacks capable of putting pressure on NATO governments and influencing their continued support for Ukraine. In particular, it concerns the possible use of drones against targets in Mediterranean countries. According to published information, Italy, France, and Spain are named among the potential directions of a possible operation. However, there is currently no official confirmation of preparations for such an attack. US intelligence has warned several European governments of a possible Russian plan using drones that could be launched from civilian vessels in the Mediterranean Sea. It is assumed that drones could be transported in ordinary cargo containers and then launched from ships in international waters. Publications mention the Russian Gerbera as a possible drone type. According to Defense News, it is the small size of the Gerbera that makes it relatively easy to hide such devices among cargo. Their range is estimated at about 600 kilometers depending on conditions and payload. American analyst Ryan MacBeth previously speculated that Moscow could theoretically seek to present European governments with a difficult choice: continue supporting Ukraine or face the risk of further conflict expansion. In his opinion, a potential attack on civilian targets or places of mass gathering could be used as a tool of intimidation and pressure on public opinion. However, such statements by the expert are his assessment of a possible scenario, not confirmation of the existence of a corresponding Russian plan. Against this backdrop, European countries are increasing attention to possible Russian actions against NATO states. In recent weeks, representatives of European intelligence services have warned of risks of various provocations, sabotage, and other hybrid operations. A particular cause for concern has been recent incidents with Russian drones in the airspace of NATO countries. On September 14, an Italian fighter jet as part of a NATO mission shot down a suspected Russian drone over Lithuania after it entered the country's airspace.