Russia Launches Drones From Shadow Fleet to Test NATO Defenses Across Europe
Russia's Shadow Fleet Drone Campaign Targets NATO
Russia is using its shadow fleet of sanction-busting ships to launch drones that probe NATO air defenses and sensitive military sites across Europe, according to a new report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies. [5] Between August 2024 and February 2026, 144 suspected drones were recorded near sensitive military and nuclear sites in Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, the UK, Denmark and over American air bases in the UK. [5] The drone campaign has forced repeated closures of major commercial aviation hubs, disrupted military operations and penetrated perimeters of sensitive defence installations. [5] The Russian drone campaign appears designed to probe the response times and decision-making thresholds of allied air defense and civil-military command structures. [5] It also seeks to identify vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure, including dual-use civilian facilities, military logistics hubs supporting Ukraine, and sites associated with the Alliance's nuclear deterrence. [5] Additionally, the campaign aims to impose economic and psychological costs on European societies by disrupting civilian aviation, undermining public confidence in airspace security, and fostering distrust and panic. [5] Finally, it appears intended to normalize low-level airspace violations that remain below the threshold likely to trigger a direct Allied military response. [5] "There's no doubt in my mind that the Russians are using the shadow fleet vessels as a platform to get different types of drones in closer to various European countries," said Ret. Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges, who served as the commanding general of US Army Europe until 2018. [5] "It's a combination of espionage," Hodges said. [5] "But also psychologically to create a lot of anxiety in populations to scare them so that they would put pressure on their governments not to support Ukraine." [5]
Specific Incidents and European Responses
Those sightings peaked in late 2025, and forced the temporary closure of several European airports, including in Germany, Spain and Denmark. [5] Sweden is the only European country to accuse Moscow directly after a drone launched at sea from a Russian spy ship flew near a French aircraft carrier. [5] In Germany there were more than 1,000 suspicious drone sightings in 2025, over German defense companies and military bases where Ukrainian soldiers were training in Germany. [5] In 2025 mystery drones targeted military bases in the Netherlands and Belgium where the US is thought to base its B61-12 nuclear gravity bombs and France’s ballistic-missile submarine base at Île Longue. [5] On Jan. 3, 2025, a Russian shadow fleet vessel, the Arctica, sailed along the Danish coast, while 20 drones flew over the port of Koege, Denmark, before disappearing at sea. [5] On Sept. 22, drone sightings led to the closure of Copenhagen Airport. [5] The IISS found several shadow ships were in the area at the time, including the Arctica and the Boracay. [5] The IISS tracked the locations of Russia's shadow fleet of ships used to evade sanctions and linked them to recent high-profile drone incidents, concluding that Russia could use the ships as a platform to launch the drones while creating deniability. [5] "Whoever is doing it is testing the reaction of the authorities, is testing how the public will respond, will they panic, will they blame their politicians and the authorities," asked Elisabeth Braw of the Atlantic Council. [5] "Also they are testing perhaps to see how we as European countries or how European countries might react in a real crisis there." [5] Russian President Vladimir Putin has denied accusations of Russian sabotage and surveillance across Europe. [5] "What’s the point of all this," Putin asked of reporters recently. [5] "Name even one proven fact." [5]
Norway Urges China to Facilitate Ukraine Talks
Norway wants China to use its ties to the Russian leadership to help bring about a negotiated settlement to the war in Ukraine, also for the sake of better relations with Europe, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere said on Monday. [3] “China is probably the country with the best and most direct access to the Russian leadership. We expect, hope and strongly urge China to use that channel,” he told reporters after meeting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Oslo. [3] The biggest chunk of their discussion was devoted to Ukraine, Stoere said. [3] “There is a potential for deeper cooperation between Europe and China but as long as this war goes on and China is a close partner of Russia, that is a limitation on that opportunity,” he added. [3] Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, speaking earlier on Monday, said dialogue with China on ending the war had been “constructive and promising”. [3] “I’m not a spokesperson for China. I’m not going to quote them but there are some hints in what they say,” he said when asked whether China had indicated it would help to bring Russia to the negotiating table. [3] Norwegian officials said negotiations should begin without conditions, starting with a ceasefire based on the current front line in Ukraine. [3]
Türkiye Emphasizes Alliance Solidarity at NATO Summit
Türkiye's NATO envoy says solidarity main expectation from Ankara summit. [1] 'Türkiye’s as well as all allies’ collective objective and expectation is to clearly reaffirm unity, solidarity and cohesion among allies,’ says country’s permanent representative to NATO. [1]
Hamas Accuses Israel of Undermining Gaza Ceasefire
Hamas says Israel seeks to create 'administrative vacuum' in Gaza. [2] Palestinian group says it remains committed to ceasefire agreement, urges mediators to press Israel to allow new administrative committee into enclave. [2]
India Protests Kashmir Map at Dhaka Seminar
The seminar was organised by Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies. [4] India Monday lodged a protest at a foreign affairs seminar in Dhaka after a presentation by a former Bangladesh diplomat displayed a map depicting Kashmir as a part of Pakistan. [4] The objection was raised immediately by second secretary (political & information) at the Indian high commission Pooja Kumari Jha during the event. [4] The map was part of the keynote presentation being made by former ambassador Tariq A Karim at the seminar organised by Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies. [4] As the map came up on screen, Jha - who was part of the audience - said, "The map of India depicted here is incorrect. J&K is an integral and inalienable part of India, and I think the map presented here is not correct." [4] However, Karim said the map was for "representational purposes and did not project actual boundaries". [4]
What to watch next: As NATO allies prepare to meet in Turkey, at the top of their agenda will be drone warfare and Russia's testing of the NATO alliance. [5]
