A surprise attack from the sea, from anywhere in the Mediterranean

Russia's objective, if such an attack as described in the report were ever to happen, wouldn't be to cause excessive damage, cost lives or create casualties. In reality it would, in part, be symbolic." It would fit into a broader pattern of disruptive actions aimed at undermining domestic support in the governments backing Ukraine, in terms of economic and military aid. "So, creating panic and, let's say, further fuelling war-weariness among the public and in European societies towards support for Ukraine. But at the same time, probably, temporarily disrupting the functioning of some critical infrastructure," adds Zamfir, who also specialises in hybrid threats and maritime security. "To do this, you don't need large, military-grade drones. It can be done with drones that are relatively small and can be hidden and launched quite easily."