CIA warns Europe of possible Russian drone attack on Spain, France, or Italy

The CIA has warned European governments that Russia may be preparing a drone attack against Spain, France, or Italy, according to Spanish newspaper El Mundo. The warning follows other alerts about potential Russian hybrid attacks on NATO's eastern flank. The alleged plan involves Gerbera drones, a Russian variant of the Shahed, launched from commercial ships with drones possibly hidden in containers. The warning circulated after CIA Director John Ratcliffe's unusual visit to Moscow on August 25, and El Mundo suggests the three countries may have been targeted because they all hold elections in 2027. France has convened defense meetings in response, with President Emmanuel Macron promising a plan to protect critical infrastructure. Analysts note the Gerbera drone's small size makes such operations relatively simple, and Poland has also been alerted to a possible Russian attack on its banking system.