–

The Russian cargo ship “Sparta”, used to transport military weapons and equipment from Syria, broke down while moving. This was reported by the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.

According to intelligence data, the cause of the breakdown was the failure of the main engine fuel pipe. Currently, the ship’s crew is trying to fix the problem, but the ship is drifting in the open sea off the coast of Portugal.

In addition, intelligence reported significant changes in the location of the Russian military contingent in Syria. Russian forces are now concentrated exclusively on two bases – the Khmeimim airbase and the naval base in Tartus.

Russia began transporting some weapons and equipment from Tartus to Libya by sea. At the same time, reports are being discussed within the ranks of the Russian contingent that the new Syrian leadership allegedly demands the complete withdrawal of Russian troops, including the bases in Khmeimim and Tartus, by February 20, 2025.

Experts associate this demand with attempts by the new government in Damascus to achieve the lifting of international sanctions, which may imply closer cooperation with Western countries.

The situation with the ship “Sparta” and the change in the positions of the Russian contingent in Syria may become an important indicator of the development of the geopolitical situation in the region.