Sanctioned Russian cargo ship transported military equipment from Syria across English Channel - Times. PHOTOS
The Russian cargo ship Baltic Leader, which is under US sanctions, transported military equipment from Syria across the English Channel this week, accompanied by a warship.
This is reported by The Times, Censor.NET informs.
This is happening against the backdrop of a reduced Russian presence in Syria.
As noted, the Russian cargo vessel was escorted by the warship Boykyi, on board of which armed sailors were spotted. They were reportedly burning secret documents and operating the ship's machine guns.
The British Royal Navy and the Belgian frigate BNS Crocus were watching the convoy's movement.
Over the past few years, arms shipments between Syria and Russia have been dubbed the "Syrian Express", a route used to deliver weapons from Russian bases in the Middle East to the war in Ukraine.
Satellite images taken on 1 February showed the Baltic Leader loading at the port of Tartus alongside heavy artillery and other military equipment. Due to threats to Russian ships in the Black Sea, Moscow is now sending cargo via a longer route - through Gibraltar, the English Channel and the Baltic Sea.
According to The Times, Turkey is being pressured to block the passage of such vessels through the Bosphorus. Although they are formally civilian, their use for arms transport may allow them to be classified as military.
Russia has reduced its military presence in Syria, retaining control over only two key facilities - the bases in Tartus and Latakia - which are strategically important for its influence in the Mediterranean.
