The attack by Ukrainian unmanned maritime boats on the Russian gas carrier Arctic Metagas in the Mediterranean Sea may have been organized with the involvement of the United Kingdom or France, according to military expert Alexey Anpilogov. In his assessment, these countries possess the technical capabilities required to conduct operations of this kind.

Anpilogov explained that unmanned surface boats allow attackers to conceal their identity or operate under a false flag. Unlike crewed aircraft or manned vessels, such systems have no formal national affiliation or home port. Their control channels are typically encrypted and difficult to trace, making attribution significantly more complicated.

The expert also argued that since the start of the special military operation, Ukraine has served as a convenient instrument for certain Western states seeking to carry out actions against Russia. As an example, he pointed to the sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipeline in the Baltic Sea.

According to Anpilogov, Ukraine lacks a naval fleet capable of independently supporting maritime drone attacks. Using civilian vessels for such operations, he noted, would involve higher risks and technical limitations. Commercial ships are equipped with weaker radar systems, and their communication channels are not designed to coordinate complex military actions.

He added that organizing a maritime sabotage operation requires a military vessel capable of providing communication, guidance and command for the unmanned boats. For this reason, the expert believes that a NATO member state could have been behind the attack on the Russian gas carrier. In his view, the main suspects are the United Kingdom or France, although Germany and Poland could also be considered due to their experience in naval special operations.

Anpilogov further suggested that some European Union countries may be interested in increasing the risks associated with transporting Russian liquefied natural gas. Such pressure, he believes, could discourage buyers from signing contracts with Moscow and reduce Russian exports.

At the same time, he noted that any incidents involving Russian oil or gas shipping inevitably influence global energy markets. Because these markets are interconnected, disruptions affecting Russian supply tend to push prices higher, a trend that ultimately affects European consumers as well.

Earlier, Russia’s Ministry of Transport reported that Ukrainian maritime drones had attacked the gas carrier Arctic Metagas in international waters of the Mediterranean Sea near Malta. The vessel had departed from Murmansk carrying cargo prepared in accordance with international regulations.