1:58 pm - February 25, 2025
Recent video footage captured by Sky News’ helicopter has revealed a significant development in international waters, as two Russian ships, Sparta and Sparta 2, were observed traversing the English Channel while carrying military equipment. These vessels are reportedly transporting gear from Syria, where Russia was forced to abandon its naval base following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The ships are owned by Oboronlogistika LLC, a company closely tied to the Russian Ministry of Defence. Notably, both vessels were sanctioned by the U.S. government in 2022, adding another layer of complexity to their movements.
According to data from Marine Traffic, a platform that tracks marine vessels in real time, the Sparta and Sparta 2 entered the English Channel around 9:30 a.m. on February 13. Their journey through these strategic waterways has not gone unnoticed, as they have been closely monitored by the British naval vessel RFA Tideforce. This Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship began shadowing the Russian vessels on February 12, underscoring the heightened vigilance with which such movements are being tracked by Western powers. The presence of RFA Tideforce serves as a reminder of the ongoing tensions between Russia and NATO-aligned nations, particularly in the wake of Russia’s military activities in Ukraine and Syria.
Interestingly, Sky News also managed to capture footage of another Russian Naval ship, the RFS Aleksandr Otrakovskiy, which appears to be accompanying Sparta and Sparta 2 on their journey. The RFS Aleksandr Otrakovskiy is a Ropucha-class vessel, specifically designed for amphibious operations and equipped with weapons systems. Its presence alongside the cargo ships suggests that Russia is taking measures to ensure the safe passage of its military equipment, potentially signaling the importance of this operation for the Kremlin.
The origins of this military equipment trace back to Russia’s naval base in Tartus, Syria, which had served as Moscow’s sole foothold in the Mediterranean. Established by the Soviet Union in the 1970s and modernized in 2012, the base played a critical role in supporting Russian military operations in the region, providing facilities for refueling, repairs, and logistics. However, with the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, the base was rapidly evacuated. Satellite imagery from the time revealed large quantities of military hardware and vehicles lined up on the pier, awaiting transportation. The hurried nature of this evacuation suggests that Russia aimed to prevent its equipment from falling into the hands of opposing forces or being destroyed in the chaos of the regime’s collapse.
The sudden closure of the Tartus base and the subsequent movement of military equipment out of Syria mark a significant shift in Russia’s strategic posture in the Mediterranean. For decades, the base had been a symbol of Russian influence in the region, allowing Moscow to project power and maintain a military presence in an area of critical importance for global trade and security. The loss of this outpost could have far-reaching implications for Russia’s ability to operate in the area, potentially limiting its capacity to support allies or conduct operations in the Middle East.
As the Russian ships continue their journey through the English Channel, their passage is being closely watched by regional powers and international observers alike. The presence of the RFA Tideforce and the accompanying RFS Aleksandr Otrakovskiy highlights the delicate balance of power at play in international waters. The situation also raises questions about the future of Russia’s military presence in the Mediterranean and how Western nations may respond to such movements. With tensions between Russia and the West remaining at a fever pitch, incidents like this serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing competition for influence on the global stage.