UK Tracks Every Move Of Russian Warships Carrying Ammunition From Syria

The United Kingdom tracked six Russian naval and merchant vessels transporting ammunition from Syria as they passed through the English Channel in recent days.

The Royal Navy and Royal Air Force closely shadowed the ships, which were withdrawing following the ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, a long-time ally of Russia, in December.

The British Ministry of Defence stated that Russia has been moving its military assets out of Syria since Assad’s fall, calling it a major setback for Moscow’s influence in the Middle East.

The Russian embassy in London has not responded to the development.

A government statement says that the retreating vessels remained fully armed. Defence Minister John Haeley was quoted as saying that despite Russia’s weakened position in Syria, its military actions still pose a threat.

Royal Navy shadows Russian task group in the English Channel.

— Royal Navy (@RoyalNavy) February 17, 2025

The UK closely monitored the Russian task group as it sailed toward a Baltic port. The Royal Navy deployed HMS Iron Duke, HMS Tyne, and support vessel RFA Tideforce, while a Wildcat helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron and an RAF P8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft tracked movements from the air.

The Russian fleet included the landing ships RFS Aleksandr Otrakovskiy and RFS Ivan Gren, as well as merchant vessels Sparta, Sparta II, General Skobelev, and the oiler Yelnya.

These ships had recently departed the Mediterranean and were navigating one of the busiest international shipping routes.

Commander David Armstrong to HMS Iron Duke said that while this particular Russian task group was not considered an immediate threat, the UK’s presence in such situations is necessary to protect maritime security and critical infrastructure.

He stated that simply hoping foreign warships do not pose a danger is not enough- constant vigilance is required.

Lieutenant Matt Cavill, Executive Officer of HMS Tyne, described the mission as an intense period for the crew, who quickly shifted from routine navigation training to monitoring Russian warships.

The Royal Navy utilised advanced sensors and technology to ensure precise reporting of the fleet’s movements.

The vessels Sparta and Sparta II were transporting military equipment from Syria, where Russia had to shut down its naval base following Assad’s removal.

Ready and waiting, watching every move…#RoyalNavy warships and aircraft shadowed a Russian task group in the English Channel in a concentrated operation this week.

— Royal Navy (@RoyalNavy) February 15, 2025

These ships are owned by Oboronlogistika LLC, a company operating on behalf of the Russian Ministry of Defence. Both vessels were sanctioned by the U.S. in 2022.

According to MarineTraffic data, the ships entered the English Channel at about 9:30 am on February 13. During their passage, RFA Tideforce, a Tide-class replenishment tanker, had already been tracking them since February 12.

While the exact locations of all vessels were not continuously broadcasted, Sky News footage confirmed the presence of RFS Aleksandr Otrakovskiy, a heavily armed Ropucha-class landing ship capable of carrying out beach landings.

Russia’s Tartus naval base in Syria had been its only Mediterranean foothold. Established in the 1970s by the Soviet Union and upgraded in 2012, the base played an important role in refuelling and repairs. Its closure has led to a relocation of Russian military assets.

President Vladimir Putin held his first phone conversation with Syria’s interim leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, on February 14. Reports reveal that Putin invited Syria’s new foreign minister to visit Moscow, suggesting that Russia is reconsidering diplomatic and military agreements signed during Assad’s rule.

The British defence ministry suggested that Russia’s decision to withdraw military assets from Syria is linked to its ongoing war in Ukraine.

Tideforce was the first UK vessel to engage the Russian ships just west of Brest, on the French coast. The Russian group later split into two formations while passing through the Channel, with Wildcat helicopters and RAF aircraft providing crucial intelligence on their movements.

Reference: Royal Navy, Reuters

Source: Maritime Shipping News