Italy warns that the damaged Russian oil tanker Arctic Metagaz represents a real "ecological bomb", with the risk of exploding at any moment in the Mediterranean Sea.

Arctic Metagaz, a sanctioned Russian oil tanker, is drifting in the Mediterranean Sea, raising major concerns regarding a potential ecological disaster.

The vessel, damaged in a marine drone attack, is without crew and has a huge hole on one side, being considered an "ecological bomb" by Italian officials. Carrying significant quantities of liquefied natural gas (LNG), fuel oil, and diesel, Arctic Metagaz is heading towards Libya, and Italian and Maltese authorities are monitoring its movements.

Italy's Secretary of the Council of Ministers, Alfredo Mantovano, warned about the enormous risks posed by the tanker, which could explode at any moment.

Environmental organizations, such as the World Wildlife Fund, are on high alert, fearing long-term pollution of a valuable ecological area.

This situation highlights the increase in attacks on Russian tankers in the context of the conflict in Ukraine, where such vessels are considered legitimate targets.