A Russian submarine is about to enter the Mediterranean

Since January 3rd, the Russian Navy had no submarines in the Mediterranean. On that date, the Novorossiysk (B-261) crossed the Strait of Gibraltar heading toward Russia.

Now, just over a month later, a new submarine, the Krasnodar (B-265), a Kilo-class vessel, escorted by the tug Evgeniy Churov, is entering the Mediterranean.

🚨🚨🚨Exclusive picture 📸 SSG 🇷🇺 Krasnodar and the 🇷🇺 support vessel Evgeniy Churov heading for Med.🌊

Since the SSG 🇷🇺 Novorossyisk submarine left the Med at the beginning of January, no other submarine had come to replace it!
The 🇷🇺 Krasnodar tried to leave but quickly… pic.twitter.com/EjBIzo7VrB

— Russian Forces Spotter (@TiaFarris10) February 12, 2025

It is unclear whether the submarine will conduct a “demonstrative” cruise or if it will actually operate normally in Mediterranean waters. The latter scenario would only be possible if Moscow has secured a safe port—perhaps in Algeria or Libya—where the submarine can resupply.

Since the loss of the Tartus port in Syria, the operational capability of Russian conventional submarines in the Mediterranean has been significantly reduced.