Reuters: Russia Smuggles Aviation Fuel to Syria from European Waters

Reuters reports, citing several European officials, that Russia is transporting aviation fuel to Syria by passing through the ports of Greece and Cyprus and European waters, in violation of EU sanctions. Russia, a key supporter of Bashar al-Assad in the Syrian civil war, is heavily involved in airstrikes against several opponents of the Damascus central government, and it is suggested that the aviation fuel may be used for fighter operations. The report from Reuters has not been confirmed by any official European authorities. Reuters states that at least two ships flying the flag of the Russian Federation have passed through Cyprus towards Lebanon and Syria. One unnamed official speaking to Reuters indicated that fuel shipments have notably increased in October (last month). Another shipping official mentioned that Russian-flagged vessels stopped at Greek and Cypriot ports before reaching Syria. The Russian Defense Ministry told Reuters that EU sanctions against fuel shipments to Syria do not apply to the Russian Air Force stationed in that country. The Russian news agency TASS also reported similar statements from a spokesperson for the Russian Defense Ministry, stating that fuel shipments for Russian air forces in Syria are not under sanctions. However, it is not clear if the transported fuel is solely for Russian forces, as Syrian government fighter jets also participate in attacks in various regions of the country. The Greek Foreign Ministry has requested inquiries with its shipping ministry in response to this news, but the latter has not yet responded. Cypriot officials state that they have not allowed any Russian vessels carrying fuel to Syria to dock. Tracking information of the vessels, which is publicly accessible, shows that at least two tankers made stops in Cyprus and Greece between September and October (two months and one month ago) before heading to Syria and Lebanon. The trail of the vessels disappears after entering the shores of these two countries. European officials have also told Reuters that Russia has sent fuel to Syria using vessels flying the flags of other countries. The European Union imposed sanctions on fuel shipments for Syrian fighter jets in October 2014.