A vessel meant to evacuate Russian troops from Syria has broken down in open waters, according to Ukraine's military intelligence.

This was reported by the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.

According to intelligence sources, the fuel line of the main engine on the Sparta has malfunctioned. The Russian crew is attempting to resolve the issue and is drifting in open waters near Portugal.

Meanwhile, the remnants of the Russian contingent in Syria have been drawn from remote areas and are now only located in two places: at the airbase in Khmeimim and the naval base in Tartus.

Additionally, according to the GUR, Russia has started to transfer some of its armaments and equipment from the port of Tartus to Libya by sea.

Also, Russian military personnel in Syria are reportedly discussing the alleged demand from the new Arab Republic's authorities for Moscow to completely withdraw its military contingent from Syrian territory, including from the bases in Khmeimim and Tartus, no later than February 20, 2025. This move seems to be linked to the new government's desire in Damascus to lift international sanctions.

What is happening in Syria?

At the end of November, Syrian rebels launched an offensive against the government forces of Bashar al-Assad and the Russian troops supporting him. They stated that this was a response to the increased strikes by Russian and Syrian air forces on the civilian population held by the rebels in the city of Idlib.

As part of the offensive, the rebels took control of dozens of settlements, including the eponymous city of Aleppo, which had been held by Assad's forces since 2016.

The government forces described their retreat as part of a regrouping ahead of reinforcements and a counteroffensive. Russia has promised to send additional forces to assist the Syrian government troops. President Bashar al-Assad promised to crush the rebels and regain control over Aleppo.

Later, the cities of Hama and Damascus — the capital of Syria — fell under rebel control. Assad himself left the country — he was granted asylum in Russia.

World leaders welcomed the fall of Assad's regime. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry even expressed readiness to resume relations with Syria in the future.