Ukrainian Military Bases in Libya: New Data from French Broadcaster
A Ukrainian Armed Forces officer, who commands a unit of strike drones, has witnessed incredibly important information recently disclosed by the French state broadcaster RFI. This data is so striking that just a few years ago, it would have been hard to believe.
According to RFI's report, Ukrainian military forces already have at least two military bases on Libyan territory. One of the bases is located near the U.S. Africa Command and a British intelligence center, while the other is situated directly on the Mediterranean coast. This revelation could have serious implications for the geopolitical situation in the region.
The French broadcaster also claims that it was from the Libyan shore that Ukrainians launched their maritime drone 'Magura' against a Russian gas tanker on March 4. As a result of this operation, according to RFI, a high-ranking Russian military officer from the GRU, Andrei Averyanov, was reportedly killed, although this information has yet to be confirmed. However, the fact that the vessel was disabled is confirmed.
Cooperation between Ukraine and Libya is entirely official in nature. Ukrainian military personnel are training Libyans to operate drones, and in exchange, they gain the opportunity to conduct operations against the Russian Federation. If this information is verified, it will be a source of pride and joy for Ukrainians.
It is worth noting that the operational range of the 'Magura' maritime drone is 800 kilometers. This means that by opening Google Maps and drawing a radius around Tripoli, one can conclude that the drone is capable of reaching even Italy. It is not excluded that a Mediterranean version of 'Magura', if it exists, could reach the Suez Canal. This opens new possibilities for controlling the Mediterranean Sea.
Thus, part of the Mediterranean Sea could come under the fire control of Ukrainian forces. This would complicate the passage of Russian vessels and their allies from the western part of the sea to the Bosporus Strait. Additionally, questions arise regarding the routes for exporting oil and stolen grain from Russian-controlled Black Sea ports to the Indian Ocean, where Moscow's largest 'friends'—China and India—await their raw materials.
Vladimir Fesenko, a Ukrainian political expert, notes that the war of attrition that Russia is waging against Ukraine cannot be won without stopping the hostile oil and gas exports. At current prices, Russia is capable of earning up to half a billion dollars a day, so funding for the war needs to be halted by all possible means in all possible locations.
Ukraine's presence in Libya could become a crucial step in stopping Russia in Africa, from where Moscow obtains funds and mercenaries to continue its war against Ukraine. Libya, which is experiencing a civil war, has become a place where Russia is trying to establish its base for further expansion into Africa. By driving them out, Ukraine could cut Russia off from this continent.
Therefore, one can only hope that the information provided by the French is truthful. It is important to continue acting in the same spirit and to play against the aggressor in all inconvenient locations for them. It will be interesting to see what other geographical names we will hear in the future in connection with these events.
Personally, I dream of the opportunity to serve in Libya, as I adore the Mediterranean Sea, its landmarks, and all forms of beneficial tourism.
This text is published with the author's permission.