Russia uses merchant ships to transport military cargo across the Bosphorus - experts

Navalnews reported the information, citing data from defense analysts and defense expert Yoruk Ishik.

Thus, according to them, the Russian ship Sparta IV brought humanitarian aid to Syria in containers for earthquake victims. It returned with military cargo from the Russian naval base in Tartus. During the loading process, military vehicles were used and the ship's large holds were opened. The ship is to unload the new cargo in Novorossiysk, Russia.

The Sparta IV vessel was reportedly sailing through the Bosphorus at night, accompanied by the Russian Navy. Before entering the Bosphorus on March 1, it was accompanied by the Russian Navy Steregushchiy missile corvette.

According to experts, this is not the first time Russian container ships have transported military cargo. For example, in August 2022, Russian S-300 air defense missiles were loaded onto ships in Tartus, Syria. They were delivered to Novorossiysk.

The Sparta IV is one of the 4 vessels that the US government has imposed sanctions on.

Repatriation of military equipment: @USTreasury sanctioned SC SOUTH LLC owned Russia flag vessel Sparta IV, itself sanctioned for being linked to SOUTH, transited Bosphorus toward BlackSea en route from Tartus to Novorossiysk carrying military cargo. Civilian vessel in name only. pic.twitter.com/QDy5q6ByOq

— Yörük Işık (@YorukIsik) March 5, 2023

• On August 29, Turkish Ambassador to Ukraine Yağmur Ahmet Güldere was invited to Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs because Turkey had given permission to transport Russian S-300s across the Bosporus.