The Spanish Foreign Ministry did not respond to Russia’s request for the arrival of its two warships – the large anti-submarine ship “Vice-Admiral Kulakov” and the rescue tug “Altai” – in the port city of Ceuta, a Spanish semi-exclave in North Africa.
Kyiv. Ukraine. Ukraine Gate – August 20, 2021 – International News
It is known that it was a three-day visit, which was to begin on August 18. Russian ships had to refuel in Ceuta and replenish food supplies. At the same time, it was planned that crew members could visit the city.
The request for the arrival of ships was sent by Russia in early summer. In response, the Spanish Foreign Ministry demanded information about the route and the purpose of their voyage, to which the Russian side did not respond. Spain, in turn, did not respond to Russia’s request and thus did not allow the courts to enter Ceuta.
It is noteworthy that the ships of the Russian Navy have stopped in Ceuta in recent decades quite regularly. These measures have been criticized in recent years by Spain’s NATO allies and the European Union. Thus, the European Parliament asked the Spanish government to explain to what extent its “hospitality” towards the Russians is in line with the EU sanctions imposed for the annexation of Crimea.
In turn, the United Kingdom has repeatedly disagreed with the arrival of Russian ships, given that Ceuta is located near its naval base in Gibraltar. London believes that the Russian fleet can use its parking lot to gather information about this base.
By the way, the maintenance of Russian warships was quite profitable for Spain – it brought income to Ceuta. However, now Spain must deny Moscow as a member of the European Union, given the sanctions. Asking Russia for the route of the ships, Madrid knew in advance that it would not receive an answer, as Moscow told the Spanish side back in 2016 that the plans of its fleet are a military secret and are not disclosed.
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Source: Ukrgate
