Summary

Russian spy ship Kildin caught fire off Syria, with thick smoke and distress signals revealing that its crew had lost control of the vessel.

Analysts and Western security officials say the incident highlights severe maintenance and readiness issues within Russia’s aging Mediterranean naval fleet.

Experts warn that the potential loss of the Tartus base would exacerbate these chronic problems, jeopardizing Russia’s strategic foothold in the region.

Russia’s search for alternatives in Algeria, Sudan, or Libya appears fraught with political risk and operational challenges, casting doubt on its long-term Mediterranean presence.