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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Emma Burrows

Russia waged a drone campaign in Europe and likely launched drones from shadow ships, report says

Europe Russia Drones - (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Russia likely used shadow ships to launch drones over Europe that repeatedly disrupted civilian aviation, as it monitored military sites and tested the air defenses of NATO nations, according to a report published Thursday by the International Institute of Strategic Studies think tank.

The report, which was shared before publication with The Associated Press, plotted 144 suspected drone sightings across Europe, including in NATO members Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, the U.K., and Denmark, between 2024 and 2026.

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