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Ukrainian-Made Drone Found Near Popular Greek Island
๐Ÿ‡ฑ๐Ÿ‡น Lithuania /Technology

Ukrainian-Made Drone Found Near Popular Greek Island

From Delfi · (39m ago) Lithuanian Mixed tone

Translated from Lithuanian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • A Ukrainian-made drone, identified as a 'Magura V3,' was discovered by fishermen off the coast of Lefkada, Greece.
  • The drone, capable of reconnaissance and attack missions with a range of 800 km, was found with its engine still running and is believed to have been carrying explosives.
  • Greek authorities, including the military and intelligence experts, are investigating the incident, with theories ranging from smuggling operations to a potential attack on Russian "shadow fleet" vessels.

A startling discovery off the coast of the Greek island of Lefkada has raised questions and initiated an investigation involving Greek military and intelligence services. Fishermen stumbled upon a Ukrainian-made 'Magura V3' drone, a sophisticated unmanned aerial vehicle designed for reconnaissance and attack, with its engine still operational.

The drone, reportedly capable of traveling up to 800 km, was found near Vasiliki port and subsequently handed over to the Greek Coast Guard. Local media, including 'Ta Nea,' quoted Lefkada Mayor Xenophon Verginis, who suggested that drug trafficking from the Albanian coast is common in the area, hinting at a possible smuggling connection. However, other reports suggest a more complex scenario.

Speculation is rife that the drone may have been prepared for a kamikaze-style attack, potentially targeting vessels belonging to Russia's "shadow fleet." These ships are used to transport oil and gas, circumventing Western sanctions. Ukraine has a documented history of employing naval drones for attacks against Russian shipping during the ongoing conflict.

Tiksliai neลพinome, kas tai yra, taฤiau ลกioje vietovฤ—je daลพnai vykdomi narkotikลณ sandoriai iลก Albanijos pakrantฤ—s.

โ€” Xenophon VerginisMayor of Lefkada, suggesting a possible smuggling connection.

Anonymous officials speaking to Reuters indicated that the drone might have been carrying approximately 295 kg of explosives, though the Greek military has not officially confirmed this figure. Explosive ordnance disposal experts were called to the scene to remove the drone's batteries. The discovery occurred just hours before a proposed three-day ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia was announced by then-US President Donald Trump.

From a Greek perspective, as covered by Delfi, this incident underscores the complex geopolitical currents that reach even tranquil coastal areas. While the possibility of a smuggling operation is a local concern, the potential link to the wider conflict in Ukraine and Russian strategic interests adds a layer of international gravity. The investigation is crucial not only for understanding the immediate circumstances but also for assessing any broader implications for regional security.

Anonimiลกkai kalbฤ—jฤ™ pareigลซnai agentลซrai โ€žReutersโ€œ sakฤ—, kad dronas galฤ—jo gabenti apie 295 kg sprogmenลณ

โ€” Anonymous officialsReporting on the potential explosive payload of the drone.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Delfi in Lithuanian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.