CIA warns Russia plans drone strikes on Mediterranean NATO states

The CIA has warned European governments that Russia is preparing drone incursions against Mediterranean countries, with Spain, France, and Italy named as potential targets, according to a report by Spanish newspaper El Mundo. The warning follows CIA Director John Ratcliffe's August 25 visit to Moscow, where he reportedly gathered intelligence on Kremlin plans. The drones could be launched from Russian "ghost fleet" ships in the Mediterranean, with the Gerbera model—capable of carrying a small explosive charge—identified as a likely weapon. Moscow has repeatedly justified such escalation by claiming Western military support for Ukraine makes those countries legitimate targets. The warning coincides with recent incidents, including armed drones at Leipzig airport and a Russian naval vessel firing flares at a Danish helicopter, amid a broader Russian sabotage campaign against NATO nations.