Russia is reportedly planning to transport military equipment and weapons from Syria to Libya using the cargo ships Sparta and Sparta II, according to Ukrainian intelligence (HUR) on Telegram.
The operation is centered in the Syrian port city of Tartus, where Russian forces and mercenaries from the Ministry of Defense’s "African Corps" are stationed.
Ukrainian intelligence claims that several Russian ships are on their way to Tartus to carry out the transfer.
The large landing ships Ivan Gren and Alexander Otrakovsky, along with the cargo ship Sparta, are expected to arrive on January 5. Among the personnel aboard is Captain 1st Rank Yuriy Davityan, a senior officer in Russia’s 121st Brigade of Landing Ships.
Two more ships, the cargo ship Sparta II and the tanker Ivan Skobolev, are expected to arrive in Tartus on January 8, after crossing the Strait of Gibraltar.
Back in Russia, armored personnel carriers believed to have been brought from Syria were recently spotted being unloaded at an airfield in the Vladimir region, HUR reported.
According to United24 Media, this apparent shift in resources could indicate a change in Russia’s regional strategy. Moscow has been a strong supporter of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, maintaining a strong military presence in the country.
However, moving equipment to Libya may signal a growing focus on extending its influence in North Africa, where Russia has supported factions in the ongoing conflict.
During his annual Direct Line broadcast on December 19, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the potential fall of Assad’s regime would not represent a defeat for Russia. This comment suggests Moscow may be prioritizing other regional interests, such as Libya, over its involvement in Syria.
