The Russian cruiser Marshal Ustinov was refuelled in Spain after operations in Syria, despite fresh sanctions against Russia.

The American government, backed by statements from NATO officials, recently announced additional sanctions against Russia over its ongoing occupation of Crimea and its interference in eastern Ukraine.

Last year, Russia had to withdraw a request for three warships to dock at the Spanish port of Ceuta for refuelling, following concern among NATO allies however that has not happened this time. Spain is frequently under pressure from NATO allies not to allow the refuelling of the Russian warships bound for Syria.

Russian Navy Cruiser Marshal Ustinov entering the Spanish enclave in Morocco of Ceuta this morning @arleighburke511 @LukeDCoffey @NavyLookout pic.twitter.com/V5w6cMfm6L — David Parody (@dparody) November 9, 2018

Luke Coffey, Director of the Douglas & Sarah Allison Center for Foreign Policy, said here:

“In October 2016, after mounting international pressure, Spain withdrew its military support for the Russian navy. Between 2011 and 2016, Spain had granted Russian navy vessels—including destroyers, frigates, amphibious assault ships, even an attack submarine—regular use of Spanish ports to resupply and refuel. Now, it has been reported that Spain will once again welcome the Russian navy into its ports.

It is not the time for a NATO member to welcome the Russian navy into port when most NATO members are increasing economic sanctions against Russia, expelling Russian diplomats, and bolstering security in Eastern Europe against the Russian threat of aggression. The U.S. should once again work with like-minded European partners, especially the U.K., and pressure Spain not to restart its military assistance to Russia.”