Russia plans its own Operation Spiderweb against Europe, report says
CIA warns Russia may be planning drone attacks on Spain, France or Italy (illustrative photo: RBC-Ukraine collage)
The US Central Intelligence Agency warned European countries that Russia is preparing to carry out an operation against them similar to Ukraine's Operation Spiderweb, El Mundo reported.
According to the CIA, Mediterranean countries could be potential targets for Russia this time. Russia may use drones hidden inside shipping containers. They are reportedly planned to be launched directly from the sea.
Moscow has been preparing a possible justification for such an escalation for a long time. The Kremlin has repeatedly complained that supplying Ukraine with weapons, intelligence, and military advisers allegedly turns Western countries into participants in the war and makes them legitimate targets.
What drones Russia may use to strike Europe this time
Russia is most likely to use Gerbera drones against Spain, France, or Italy, the same drones it uses to terrorize Ukraine on a daily basis.
Importantly, a merchant ship can carry several such drones at once. Moreover, launching them is significantly easier than using the larger Shahed or Geran drones.
If a drone is launched approximately 200–300 km from the coast, it could take between 1 hour 15 minutes and two hours to reach its target, depending on its actual speed.
Because of its small payload, such a drone is unlikely to destroy a large facility. At the same time, it could cause a fire, damage equipment, or lead to the temporary closure of a port or airport. This means that the potential consequences of an attack could be not only physical but also economic and political.
Why Russia plans to target Spain, France, and Italy
These countries may be considered potential targets, particularly because of the political context. Election campaigns and elections are scheduled there in 2027, and radical political forces are also active that could exploit public fears and fatigue over support for Ukraine.
According to sources, France and Italy in particular have political forces and connections that could align with the Kremlin's interests.
"The impression the Russians want to create is their own Spiderweb," a Lithuanian source explained.
Drones have previously entered Moldova several times during Russian attacks on Ukraine and have also been detected in Romania.
