Russian Navy"s Weakness in the Mediterranean

Since losing full access to the Tartus naval base in Syria and facing restrictions through the Bosporus due to the Montreux Convention,

Russia"s Mediterranean Squadron lacks a viable alternative facility, limiting its operational range.

Though Russian ships still visit Tartus, their access is limited and they are treated similarly to foreign vessels without permanent basing rights,relying on offshore anchoring and short stays.

Khmeimim Air Base still serves as a logistical stop, but recent drone attacks and local tensions have made Russia’s position there more precarious.

With traditional allies like Algeria and Libya unable or unwilling to host bases, and Egypt and Serbia offering limited or no support,

Russia’s naval presence in the Mediterranean is now significantly reduced due to geopolitical isolation driven by its invasion of Ukraine.


Information source: Maritime Executive