A Russian cargo ship under international sanctions has delivered military equipment to Libya while being escorted by a Russian Navy warship, according to satellite images and maritime tracking data.

The vessel, Mys Zhelaniya, was photographed at the port of Tobruk on January 16, confirming that cargo was unloaded.

The ship had sailed from Baltiysk, a major Russian naval base in Kaliningrad, under the protection of an Udaloy-class destroyer, a large anti-submarine warfare vessel.

Analysts say the use of such a warship suggests the cargo was strategically important.

Mys Zhelaniya hid its destination on public navigation systems, but satellite images and past tracking showed it reached Tobruk.

Earlier in January, the ship was seen off the coast of Portugal. At the same time, another sanctioned Russian vessel, Sparta IV, sailed in parallel with Mys Zhelaniya before the two ships separated.

Sparta IV, although publicly declaring an Egyptian destination, is believed to be heading to Russia’s naval facility in Tartus, Syria. Both ships departed Baltiysk together under naval escort, indicating a coordinated military operation.

Mys Zhelaniya is owned by Transstroy, a Russian construction company involved in large Arctic energy and infrastructure projects, and is under international sanctions.

Sparta IV is operated by SK-Yug, a subsidiary of the sanctioned state logistics firm Oboronlogistika, which supports Russia’s Ministry of Defence.

Analysts report that the cargo delivered to Tobruk was likely intended for Russia’s “Africa Corps,” a military force that succeeded the Wagner Group and has been active in Libya since 2024, supporting Khalifa Haftar’s militia.

Tobruk is controlled by Haftar’s forces and is increasingly used as a transfer point for Russian military supplies.

Earlier reports also show Russia has started restoring the long-abandoned Matan al-Sarra airbase in southeastern Libya, with Russian and Syrian personnel involved.

References: united24media, militarnyi