A detailed investigation by the French public broadcaster RFI has uncovered an unexpected expansion of the conflict between Kyiv and Moscow, alleging a covert Ukrainian military presence in Libya. The reports suggest that Ukraine is utilizing North African soil to launch sophisticated maritime attacks against Russia’s “shadow fleet” of tankers in the Mediterranean Sea.
The findings point to a strategic arrangement between the Ukrainian government and the Tripoli-based administration led by Abdelhamid Dbeiba. According to the investigation, this partnership has allowed Ukraine to establish operational hubs far beyond the Black Sea, effectively extending its reach to disrupt Russian energy exports and logistics in the Mediterranean.
Central to these allegations is the recent strike on the Arctic Metagaz, a Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier. The vessel, which operates as part of Russia’s fleet of sanctions-evading tankers, was disabled on March 4, 2026, while en route to Port Said, Egypt. RFI reports that the attack was coordinated from Libyan territory using an autonomous surface drone, marking a significant escalation in the geographic scope of Ukraine’s maritime campaign.
The Libyan Infrastructure: Bases and Logistics
According to two anonymous sources in Libya cited by RFI, more than 200 Ukrainian officers and specialists are currently stationed within the country. The investigation identifies two primary locations serving as the backbone of this operation.
The first is the Air Force Academy in Misrata. This facility already hosts a complex international presence, including Turkish and Italian forces, as well as elements of the U.S. Africa Command and a British intelligence center. The presence of Ukrainian specialists alongside other Western and NATO-aligned forces suggests a high level of tacit coordination or, at minimum, a shared strategic interest in the region.
The second, and more specialized, site is located in the port city of Ezzawiya, approximately 50 kilometers north of Tripoli. RFI reports that the Tripoli government provided Ukraine with a plot of land offering direct sea access. Between October and November of last year, this site was reportedly fortified and equipped with antennas and airstrips, transforming it into a launch facility for both aerial and maritime drones.
A Strategic Quid Pro Quo
The establishment of these bases was not a unilateral move but the result of a negotiated agreement. The investigation indicates the deal was initiated following a request from General Andriy Bayuk, the Ukrainian military attaché in Algeria.
The terms of the agreement are described as a reciprocal exchange of expertise and resources. In the immediate term, Ukrainian specialists have provided training to the Libyan military, focusing specifically on the deployment and operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Long-term provisions of the deal reportedly include the delivery of arms and Ukrainian investments in Libya’s critical oil sector.
While these details provide a comprehensive picture of the partnership, both the Ukrainian government and the administration of Abdelhamid Dbeiba have remained silent, offering no comment when contacted by French journalists.
The Strike on the Arctic Metagaz
The operational utility of the Libyan bases was demonstrated during the attack on the Arctic Metagaz. The Russian vessel was carrying an estimated 60,000 tonnes of natural gas and fuel reserves when it was targeted off the Libyan coast.
RFI, citing Libyan sources, identifies the weapon used as a Magura V5 autonomous surface drone. This specific model has been a cornerstone of Ukraine’s success in the Black Sea, known for its stealth and precision. In this instance, the drone struck the tanker’s engine room, causing rapid flooding and rendering the vessel immobile.
The aftermath of the strike highlighted the precarious position of the “shadow fleet.” After Maltese authorities evacuated the crew, the Libyan government attempted to tow the disabled tanker to a local port. But, the operation failed this week when the tow cable snapped, leaving the Russian vessel drifting at sea.
Timeline of Mediterranean Maritime Strikes
| Date | Target Vessel | Alleged Origin | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 2025 | Qendil Tanker | Misrata Area | Successful Strike (SBU) |
| March 4, 2026 | Arctic Metagaz | Libyan Coast | Vessel Disabled/Drifting |
Broader Implications for Maritime Security
The strike on the Arctic Metagaz is not an isolated incident. In December, Ukrainian media reported that forces from the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) had struck the tanker Qendil in the Mediterranean. RFI suggests that the Qendil attack was also launched from the Misrata area, confirming a pattern of operations.
This shift in strategy represents a bold move by Kyiv to bring the cost of the war to Russia’s economic lifelines. By targeting the “shadow fleet”—vessels used to bypass international price caps and sanctions on Russian oil and gas—Ukraine is expanding its conflict into a global economic war of attrition.
The use of Libyan territory adds a layer of geopolitical complexity. It demonstrates Ukraine’s ability to forge unconventional alliances in the Global South and highlights the fragility of Russian influence in North Africa, where the Kremlin has previously sought to maintain ties with various Libyan factions.
The next critical development will be whether Moscow attempts a retaliatory strike against these alleged bases or if international maritime regulators intervene to address the environmental risk posed by the drifting Arctic Metagaz. Official statements from the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense or the Libyan government remain the primary missing pieces of the puzzle.
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