Support The Moscow Times!

Russia Confirms Ship Heading to Syria Carried Helicopters

A cargo ship that turned back toward Russia while traveling to Syria was carrying three repaired helicopters as well as air defense systems, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Thursday.

"The ship was carrying air defense systems, which can be (used) only for repelling foreign aggression and not against peaceful demonstrators … and it was carrying three repaired helicopters," Lavrov told Ekho Mosvky radio.

The ship, the Curacao-registered MV Alead, turned back to Russia on Tuesday after its U.K. insurer removed its coverage.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said the ship would ultimately continue to Syria after docking in Murmansk on Saturday, where it will switch its registration and travel under a Russian flag, Interfax reported.

He said Russia had no choice but to deliver the helicopters, as they "are the property of Syria and must be returned to them after their repair."

(Reuters, MT)

… we have a small favor to ask.

As you may have heard, The Moscow Times, an independent news source for over 30 years, has been unjustly branded as a "foreign agent" by the Russian government. This blatant attempt to silence our voice is a direct assault on the integrity of journalism and the values we hold dear.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. Our commitment to providing accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia remains unshaken. But we need your help to continue our critical mission.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just 2. It's quick to set up, and you can be confident that you're making a significant impact every month by supporting open, independent journalism. Thank you.

Continue

Read more