A Russian diplomatic source has denied reports from Western media that Moscow is withdrawing part of its naval fleet from the Tartus base in Syria.
The denial came as Russia's Ministry of Defense announced military drills in the eastern Mediterranean.
The source told Asharq Al-Awsat that the reports were “completely false” and that there had been no orders to change the operations of Russian warships in the Mediterranean.
However, the source acknowledged that there might be movements by the Russian navy due to recent developments.
It also suggested that reinforcements or supplies could be sent to the Hmeimim airbase in Latakia or the Tartus naval base.
The source added that the naval center in Tartus handles logistics for Russian warships in the Mediterranean and other regions.
On Tuesday, Moscow announced military exercises in the eastern Mediterranean, including the launch of hypersonic missiles.
The Russian Ministry of Defense said in a statement that “high-precision missiles were fired at sea and air targets during drills to test the coordination of Russia's naval and air forces.”
Meanwhile, a Syrian security source told Russian state news agency Novosti that “cargo ships, escorted by Russian warships, left Tartus port heading for the Black Sea to deliver military supplies to the Syrian army in preparation for a major offensive in the coming days.”
The Russian Ministry of Defense has not commented on the reports, and state media have avoided mentioning them.
The Russian naval base in Tartus is vital for Russia’s global interests.
A report by Naval News noted that “shifts in Syria’s frontlines are putting the base at risk” and suggested that Russia may be planning to withdraw its ships. The report stated that the base is threatened by attacks on Syrian forces.
Russia has already started taking precautions, with five warships and one submarine stationed in Tartus.
These include two Gorshkov-class frigates, one Grigorovich-class frigate, two auxiliary ships, and one Kilo-class submarine.
One of these ships, the auxiliary vessel Yelnya, left Tartus on December 2, 2024, with reports indicating that other ships may have also departed.
