On April 1, 2025, a Russian-made drone was reported flying over the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) in Ispra, Northern Italy. Investigative sources cited by ANSA indicated that the facility's radio wave detectors captured frequencies linked to a Russian-made device, which reportedly conducted five overflights within five to six days. The Milan Prosecutor's Office launched an investigation into political and military espionage related to the incident. Italian pro-Russian operatives are suspected of involvement, potentially providing information to Russian intelligence in exchange for Bitcoin. The Italian government is conducting further checks, with Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi noting no classified information was compromised but maintaining close scrutiny. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto framed the incident within the broader context of hybrid warfare, highlighting the dangers of targeted cyberattacks, recruitment of operatives, disinformation, and theft of military technology. Analyst Matteo Pugliese emphasized that such drone activities are common near military bases in Germany and other countries, considering it a realistic hypothesis that this drone may have originated from nearby Switzerland. The incident underscores the need for increased vigilance against Russian hybrid warfare.

On April 1, 2025, a Russian-made drone was reported flying over the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) in Ispra, Northern Italy. Investigative sources cited by ANSA indicated that the facility's radio wave detectors captured frequencies linked to a Russian-made device, which reportedly conducted five overflights within five to six days. The Milan Prosecutor's Office launched an investigation into political and military espionage related to the incident. Italian pro-Russian operatives are suspected of involvement, potentially providing information to Russian intelligence in exchange for Bitcoin. The Italian government is conducting further checks, with Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi noting no classified information was compromised but maintaining close scrutiny. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto framed the incident within the broader context of hybrid warfare, highlighting the dangers of targeted cyberattacks, recruitment of operatives, disinformation, and theft of military technology. Analyst Matteo Pugliese emphasized that such drone activities are common near military bases in Germany and other countries, considering it a realistic hypothesis that this drone may have originated from nearby Switzerland. The incident underscores the need for increased vigilance against Russian hybrid warfare.