Russia has lost influence in the Mediterranean Sea, — Ukrainian Navy

After losing its base in Tartus, Russia was left without a full-fledged infrastructure for its fleet.

Russia no longer has a permanent naval base in the Mediterranean Sea, although it continues to try to demonstrate its presence there. This was stated by the spokesman for the Ukrainian Navy, Dmytro Pletenchuk, during a telethon.

“They are still present in the Mediterranean Sea and even conduct training. But now it is actually a foreign water area for them. Yes, there are friendly regimes in Africa, there are separate ports where Russian ships can refuel, but there is no longer a full-fledged base, as it was before in Tartus,” Pletenchuk emphasized.

He noted that without a reliable rear base, it is much more difficult for Russia to maintain logistics and supply ship groups. Despite this, the Kremlin does not abandon attempts to demonstrate its military presence in the region — primarily for geopolitical reasons.

“Russia is trying to display the flag and create a picture of military activity — as a factor of influence and destabilization. But the current situation is strikingly different from the one that existed during their active deployment in Syria,” the Navy spokesman emphasized.

He also added that Russia’s interests in the Mediterranean and Africa remain unchanged. Moscow will try to maintain at least a symbolic presence in the region, as it considers it part of its geopolitical zone of influence.

Earlier, explosions occurred in the Mediterranean Sea on three tankers associated with the Russian Federation. According to one version, magnetic mines exploded on the ships.