Lucrezia Ciotti The war in Ukraine is once again raising tensions beyond the borders of the conflict. While Kiev is once again under attack from Russia , rumors are emerging of a possible escalation with the use of drones against some European countries, including Italy , fueling new fears of the continent's direct involvement.
War in Ukraine, new attack on Kiev: victims and injuries
The war continues to directly impact the Ukrainian capital. Kiev has been hit by a new massive Russian missile attack , which has caused damage to buildings and casualties. According to the latest update from Ukrinform , the death toll has risen to two dead and at least six injured on the night of September 24. Among the damaged structures are a medical facility and several homes; missile fragments have also fallen in several parts of the city, causing fires and further damage.
The attack comes just hours after a previous day of bombing on the capital. On September 23, according to Ukrinform , Russian drone strikes had already caused two deaths and at least 36 injuries , as well as fires and damage to several structures, including a gas station, a business center, and other buildings.
On the diplomatic front, the former Ukrainian Foreign Minister also argued that a truce with Moscow remains difficult, stating that " Putin believes he will win " and explaining that Kyiv could go as far as sacrificing Donbass, but without having " any guarantee that Russia will respect the agreements ".
War in Ukraine, a new threat in Europe: "Russia ready to attack"
Russia is reportedly considering a new form of escalation on the European front, with possible operations conducted using sea-launched drones aimed at Italy, France, and Spain . This was reported by the Spanish newspaper El Mundo , which claims that information gathered by US intelligence services has been shared with several European governments. A source close to the Lithuanian Ministry of Defense, quoted by the newspaper, explained: " They will use sea-launched drones, hidden in containers; it's not difficult at all . "
Among the models that could be used is the Gerbera , approximately two meters long, with a wingspan of 2,5 meters, a maximum weight of 18 kilograms , a speed of approximately 160 km/h , and a declared range of 600 kilometers. According to the reconstruction, a merchant ship could carry several of them and deploy them 200-300 kilometers from the coast. Their explosive load, estimated at 4-5 kilograms, would not be sufficient to destroy large structures , but it could still cause fires, damage equipment, or cause the temporary closure of strategic infrastructure such as ports and airports. The map published by El Mundo also shows that much of Italy, with the exception of the northeast, falls within its potential operational range.
Lithuania, Spain, France, and Italy have reportedly been informed of the possibility of a Russian drone operation. The alert emerged shortly after CIA Director John Ratcliffe 's trip to Moscow on August 25. El Mundo also links the potential scenario to the political landscape of the three Mediterranean countries, which will be affected by electoral campaigns and elections in 2027.
The former Ukrainian Foreign Minister also commented on the significance of the US mission to Moscow, according to Fanpage.it : " The CIA chief's mission to Moscow was not routine. In 2021, the message concerned Ukraine, this time a European ally . " The situation remains part of the broader confrontation between Moscow and Western countries. Limes director Lucio Caracciolo , interviewed by Fanpage.it , stated: " A direct clash between Russia and NATO would end with the destruction of both , " adding that permanent channels of communication between Washington and Moscow continue to operate.