Map Tracks U.S. Sanctioned Russian Oil Tanker to Syria

Russia has shipped diesel cargo to Syria aboard a tanker that is under U.S. sanctions, marking the first known such direct supply to the Middle Eastern country in over a decade.

The Barbados-flagged vessel was carrying approximately 37,000 metric tons of ultra-low sulfur diesel, according to a Reuters report citing LSEG data.

Newsweek has reached out to the Kremlin for comment via email.

Why It Matters

This shipment highlights Russia’s continued involvement in Syria despite ongoing international sanctions. The tanker’s movement comes at a time of geopolitical uncertainty in Syria following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad last year, which put Russia’s military foothold in the country under threat. Russia maintains two key military bases in Syria, including an air base in Hmeimim and a naval base in Tartous. These bases are critical for Russia’s military influence in the Middle East.

What to Know

The Barbados-flagged tanker Prosperity, previously known as the Gabon-flagged NS Pride, left Russia’s Baltic port of Primorsk on February 10. The vessel, managed by Dubai-based Fornax Ship Management, is currently anchored near the Syrian port of Banias.

“Russia clearly values its air and naval facilities in Syria and does not want to lose them. Shipping diesel to the new Syrian government is simply an act of realpolitik to safeguard its interests.” Afshin Molavi, Senior Fellow, Foreign Policy Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies told Newsweek.

U.S. Sanctions

Washington imposed sanctions on the Prosperity in January, adding it to a list of vessels connected to Russian oil exports following the invasion of Ukraine. The EU and the UK followed with similar actions in February.

Prosperity’s destination remains unclear, but its arrival in Syria underscores the complex dynamics of Russian involvement in the region.

Syria’s Oil Crisis

This is the first direct diesel shipment from Russia to Syria since 2013, according to LSEG data. Syria has been struggling with oil shortages, as no crude shipments from its key supplier, Iran, have arrived since November. The country also issued an import tender for 20,000 tons of LPG and is seeking additional oil supplies.

“Iran was regularly providing Syria roughly 70,000 barrels per day of crude oil over the past three years. After the fall of Assad, that oil dried up. Russia may try to fill that gap.” Molavi stated.

A worker walks past idle pumpjacks at an oil field on the outskirts of the northeastern Syrian city of Qamishli, Monday, Feb. 3, 2025.
A worker walks past idle pumpjacks at an oil field on the outskirts of the northeastern Syrian city of Qamishli, Monday, Feb. 3, 2025.
Bernat Armangue/AP Photo

What People Are Saying

Afshin Molavi, Senior Fellow, Foreign Policy Institute, told Newsweek: “New sanctions that target a wide range of tankers has made it much more difficult for Russia to sell its oil and refined products around the world. Even Chinese ports that routinely accepted Russian shipments are tightening their enforcement on existing sanctions. As such, we can expect to see more risky ventures like this one around the world.”

Noam Raydan, Senior Fellow, The Washington Institute for Near East Policy posted on X: “Syria’s interim govt is working to procure oil shipments to address a severe energy crisis. The options are limited. Major international trading firms and ship owners are reluctant to risk running afoul of western sanctions, particularly U.S. restrictions.”

What Happens Next

As Syria faces continued energy shortages, the direct shipment from Russia signals a potential shift in its oil supply chain. Russia’s ability to continue shipping fuel to Syria will depend on how international sanctions are enforced moving forward.

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