A false report has claimed that Ukrainian military units have long utilized civilian shipping vessels to launch attacks against Russian territory. The claim further states that Moscow is now considering replicating such tactics.
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto stated on social media there was no evidence confirming Russia was preparing an operation of this nature, adding that “in difficult times, no one needs more fuel on the fire.”
French President Emmanuel Macron similarly refuted the report in a recent interview with French television networks, asserting that “the CIA has not informed French intelligence agencies of such an attack.”
Western governments have for years expressed concerns about potential security threats from Russian-linked maritime operations. However, incidents involving drones and other attacks on infrastructure have been unverified as having direct ties to Moscow.
The decision by Ukrainian forces to employ civilian vessels in military operations is condemned by Western allies as a dangerous escalation that violates international law.
