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Greek authorities are investigating an unmanned surface vessel of Ukrainian technology found off Lefkada, in what officials described as a serious development with potential implications for security, shipping and relations with Kyiv.<\/p>\n
The Magura-type sea drone, carrying explosives and indications it had participated in a strike mission, was transferred Saturday to facilities of the Underwater Demolition Command at Skaramagas. Government officials confirmed reports that the drone was intended to target a vessel from Russia\u2019s \u201cshadow fleet\u201d or a ship transporting Russian oil.<\/p>\n
Officials said the discovery raised concerns that the theater of war could expand from the Black Sea into the Mediterranean, creating risks for navigation, tourism and economic security in Greece. Authorities warned that an attack on a tanker in the Ionian or Aegean seas could damage the country\u2019s tourism sector.<\/p>\n
According to officials familiar with the investigation, authorities in the coming hours will process devices attached to the drone to determine whether metadata can identify its origin with a high degree of accuracy.<\/p>\n
Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis raised the issue Monday during the European Union Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels and sought support from counterparts.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is an extremely serious development,\u201d Gerapetritis said before entering the meeting. \u201cWhen the investigation is completed and the necessary technical characteristics are extracted, there will be a response from the Greek government with the necessary demarches.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added that Greece \u201cwill not allow war operations to develop in the wider Mediterranean region and especially toward Greece.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Greek armed forces general staff is supervising the investigation and preparing a report for authorities. Officials are examining the drone for traces and information concerning its mission and operational system, including reverse engineering. The Hellenic Center for Defense Innovation is also participating in the investigation.<\/p>\n
Authorities said there is currently no information indicating the presence of additional similar drones near Greece, although Magura systems usually operate in groups of four to eight vessels.<\/p>\n
Investigators are also examining whether the drone departed from a base in Libya or was transported aboard a cargo vessel. Officials said handwritten notes and a visible serial number were considered important findings. Authorities are also analyzing GPS and satellite data to reconstruct the drone\u2019s route before its discovery.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n