Russian forces in the Mediterranean - Wk07/2025

Task Force Composition
As reported by OSINT at the morning of Feb-15

Weekly Brief
The evacuation of military equipment from Syria continues with the first large convoy composed of two amphibious warships and two civilian cargo vessels departing the Mediterranean on February 9th. A second transport run, composing of just the cargo vessel Baltic Leader, is also observed on February 14th, heading westwards after docking in Tartus. The vessel is probably escorted by a Russian frigate to prevent interception.

At the same time, Russia attempts to maintain an Improved Kilo class submarine in the Mediterranean. The submarine Krasnodar entered the Mediterranean on February 14th. Just how long the submarine can operate without a Russian base remains to be seen though several port visits could help in keeping the vessel supplied and operational for longer than is expected.

Daily Events
February 09
Russian weapon runners Sparta and Sparta II, together with the civilian tanker General Skobelev and Ropuch class landing vessel Alexandr Otrakovsky deperted the Mediterranean via the Strait of Gibraltar around 03:40 local time [1].

Amphibious landing ship Ivan Gren and fleet oiler Yelnya were visually observed leaving the Mediterranean through the Strait of Gibraltar at 08:00 local time [2].

February 12
Improved Kilo class submarine Krasnodar and rescue tug Evgeny Churov entered the Mediterranean during the evening via the Strait of Gibraltar [3].

February 14
Russian cargo vessel Baltic Leader has been observed in a location 252 kilometers southwest of Pafos, Greece. The vessel is on a westerly course, possibly escorted by the frigate Admiral Golovko [4].

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