Russian Tanker Yelnya docks in Algeria following strategic withdrawal from Tartus Naval Base.

According to information published by the Algerian MoD on December 17, 2024, the Russian fuel tanker Yelnya, part of the Baltic Fleet, arrived at the port of Algiers on December 17, 2024, for a scheduled three-day stopover. Officially conducted under the framework of Algerian-Russian military cooperation, the docking comes against the backdrop of a major strategic shift: the recent evacuation of the Russian naval base at Tartus, Syria, after years of serving as Moscow’s critical Mediterranean outpost.
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Russian Navy's Project 160 tanker Yelnya . (Picture source: Algerian MoD)

The Tartus Naval Base, Russia’s only permanent military facility in the Mediterranean, has been a key operational hub since its establishment during the Cold War. However, in early December 2024, Russia evacuated the base under mounting regional instability. The move, confirmed through satellite imagery showing the withdrawal of Russian warships and support vessels, represents a major reconfiguration of Russia's Mediterranean strategy.

Local sources suggest deteriorating security conditions, coupled with logistical challenges and rising costs, forced Moscow’s hand. The departure comes as a significant blow to Russia’s ability to project power in the Mediterranean, leaving it scrambling to reorganize its naval presence.

The docking of the Yelnya in Algiers offers insight into Moscow’s recalibrated approach. The fuel tanker, vital for resupplying naval operations, is en route to an undisclosed location, likely to support alternative deployments following the loss of Tartus. Algeria, a steadfast Russian ally, has become a critical logistical partner, providing Moscow with access to its ports and military infrastructure.

High-level discussions during the Yelnya’s stopover are expected to focus on deepening bilateral military ties and exploring ways for Algeria to facilitate Russian naval operations. This partnership reflects Algeria’s broader strategy of maintaining close ties with Moscow while asserting itself as a regional power broker.

Reports indicate that Russia is negotiating with Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar to establish a new naval foothold in Libya, potentially in Tobruk or Benghazi. This move would allow Russia to maintain its Mediterranean presence while leveraging the fragmented political situation in Libya. However, such a relocation risks exacerbating tensions with NATO, particularly given the proximity of these ports to key European maritime routes.

The Russian withdrawal from Tartus and potential establishment of a presence in Libya mark a significant shift in Mediterranean geopolitics. NATO has already increased its naval activities in response to the evolving security landscape, while Russia's repositioning signals its intent to adapt to changing realities rather than cede influence in the region.

For Algeria, the Yelnya’s visit underscores its growing importance as a strategic partner for Moscow. Algeria’s access to the Mediterranean and its robust military infrastructure make it an ideal ally for Russia as it seeks to mitigate the impact of losing Tartus. However, this partnership could draw increased scrutiny from Western nations, potentially impacting Algeria’s diplomatic balancing act.