Russia plans to launch a logistics hub in Syria, which regularly receives stolen Ukrainian grain

Russia expects to launch a commercial logistics hub in the Syrian port of Tartus in mid-July.

The project is to operate at one of the piers of the naval base that Russia leases in Syria and process cargoes, including grain, oils, metal and fuel, Reuters reports, citing Syrian officials.

According to them, the hub is to operate at one of the two piers of the naval base that Russia leases in Tartus. The other pier is expected to remain for Russian naval operations.

One of the sources told Reuters that at the initial stage, the logistics center is to process about 250,000 tons of cargo per month. The first operation could be the shipment of a 30,000-ton grain shipment.

This includes a wide range of “Russian” goods, including wheat and other grains, animal feed, vegetable oils, wood, steel, clinker, coal, rice, sugar and mineral oils.

The project is being implemented by the Syrian logistics company Rus Line in cooperation with Russian companies united around the Russian-Syrian Business Council. According to Reuters, the project organizers announce an agreement with the Sovereign Fund of Syria to jointly manage the logistics center.

Rus Line CEO Jinan Mubadda said that the hub is to operate at berth No. 4 of the port of Tartus. Rus Line General Manager Ossama Ajaj called this area a “closed zone” of the naval base.

The goal of the project is to create a regular sea route between the Russian Black Sea port of Novorossiysk and Tartus. The cargo is then planned to be distributed throughout Syria and to neighboring countries. The main target markets are Iraq and Jordan, as well as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain.

According to Syrian officials, the project was part of Moscow’s efforts to maintain and expand its influence in Syria through economic channels after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in 2024.

After the Reuters report, the spokesman for Syria’s General Directorate of Ports and Customs, Mazen Alloush, denied reports that Russia would operate a commercial logistics hub at the port. He called such reports “completely false” and said that any projects or deals regarding Syrian ports and border crossings would only be announced through official government channels.

Reuters also notes that Russia already plays a significant role in Syria’s supply chain. In particular, about 85% of Syria’s wheat imports in the 2025-2026 season come from Russia and the occupied Crimea. Syria’s dependence on Russian oil imports has also increased since the fall of the Assad regime.

The United States is closely monitoring Russian commercial and logistics projects in Syria. A State Department official told Reuters that Washington is concerned that such initiatives may not contribute to stability in the country. The United States also calls on Syria to involve “reliable corporate partners,” including American companies, in the reconstruction, and to comply with sanctions against Russia.

Earlier, USM reported that another shipment of stolen Ukrainian grain will be received at a Syrian port.