RUSSIAN NAVY warships docked at Limassol port over the weekend for the first time in at least ten years. 

The Russian frigate Smetlivy docked at Limassol port on Sunday at 9.30am to re-supply with food and water and rest its crew before heading off in the afternoon at 5.30pm.  

Yesterday, a Russian tug boat Shakhter also docked at Limassol port at 7.56am and is due to leave today. 

Both ships are part of the Black Sea Fleet and according to reports, are on their way to Syria. 

Russia has a naval base at the Syrian port of Tartus, the only naval facility outside of the former Soviet Union. 

Since the uprising in Syria, a number of countries have increased their navies’ presence in the eastern Mediterranean, including the US, UK, France and Germany. It is believed Russia is seeking to counter their intensified presence with its own warships. 

According to sources, records at Limassol port reveal that no Russian warship has docked at the port for at least the last ten years. 

Cyprus Mail