Story perspectives

Greek Navy Defuses 100-kg Ukrainian Drone Near Lefkada

5/13/2026

Summary

Greek Sappers Detonate

Greek sappers detonated a maritime drone carrying explosives in the Ionian Sea near Lefkada.
Fishermen discovered the drone, which was reported to be a Ukrainian-made “Magura” model.
The device contained approximately 100 kilograms of explosives.
Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi said Kyiv has no information about the drone’s origin.
He added that Ukraine is ready to cooperate with Greece if Athens submits a request.

Summary

Dendias Flags Drone

Defense Minister Nikos Dendias labeled the drone incident “extremely serious” and raised it at the EU defence council in Brussels.
Investigators found handwritten notes and a serial number on the drone, with a report due in 24 hours.
Opposition parties condemned the New Democracy government for poor water monitoring, warning damage to its image.
Tourism officials warned a spill near Lefkada could harm the island’s summer season, a vital economic pillar.

Summary

Miruta Urges Reform

Romanian Defense Minister Radu-Dinél Miruta urged EU members to reshape sea-drone capabilities after the Lefkada incident.
Greek coastguard seized the unmanned surface vehicle on May 7 and transferred it to army and navy for transport to Athens.
A military source said the drone’s engine was running when fishermen towed it to a Lefkada port.
Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias warned EU defence ministers in Brussels that the incident threatens navigation freedom.

Summary

Greece Secures Drones

Greece and Ukraine signed a deal to co-produce naval drones, giving Athens Ukrainian technology.
Kyiv asked for a veto on any Greek use of the co-developed drones against Turkey, fearing escalation.
After the red alert, Defence Minister Nikos Dendias said Greece can produce and equip its navy with drones and anti-drone systems.
Greek General Staff confirmed a strike on the “Karakurt” missile ship and warehouses, unrelated to the sea-drone incident.

History

Historical Context

After inheriting the Soviet Caspian naval base in 1991, Azerbaijan grew its navy—by 2026 it had about 1,750 personnel and received U.S. training and Turkish equipment, expanding its capabilities in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war. Greece’s recent interception of a Ukrainian-made Magura drone near Lefkada led Defence Minister Nikos Dendias to warn the EU Defence Council, echoing NATO calls for sea-drone defenses.

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Greek Sappers Detonate

Greek sappers detonated a maritime drone carrying explosives in the Ionian Sea near Lefkada.
Fishermen discovered the drone, which was reported to be a Ukrainian-made “Magura” model.
The device contained approximately 100 kilograms of explosives.
Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi said Kyiv has no information about the drone’s origin.
He added that Ukraine is ready to cooperate with Greece if Athens submits a request.

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