Is the fleet being driven out of Ceuta?

46
According to media reports, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini was approached by eleven deputies of the European Parliament with a demand to deal with the arrival of Russian warships in the Spanish port of Ceuta. The deputies, mainly representing Poland and the Baltic States, expressed the opinion that such visits violate the sanctions regime, since the final point for many ships is Crimea. In addition, the opinion was voiced that the Russians could “spy on Gibraltar”, and a very ridiculous version was expressed that the Russian troops in Ukraine could be supplied with ships. According to the information of Spanish journalists, the appeal was initiated by American and British organizations.



Ceuta is a Spanish semi-cliques on the African coast, which, along with Melilla, is an autonomous possession of the Kingdom. After the liquidation of Spanish Morocco and the Moroccan seizure of Western Sahara, these territories were actually under siege. Morocco has made territorial claims against them and is only waiting for a suitable case, as it was with the Western Sahara to hold a seizure.

Ceuta in recent years has become the most convenient stop for naval ships fleet Russia heading to or leaving the Mediterranean Sea. There are several main reasons here: the Syrian Civil War, Somali pirates, the renewal of the Black Sea Fleet. According to observers, Russian ships went to Ceuta more than 2011 times since 50, leaving a lot of money in the enclave both through centralized purchase of diesel fuel, fresh water and food, and privately by individual officers in local stores. All this settles in the local budget and reduces the costs of the central government. And the British in Gibraltar annoy the presence of the Russians very strongly.

To the credit of the leadership of Spain, it still does not give in to pressure. True, the EU, NATO or Washington have not yet had a serious impact on this issue, and if this happens, Madrid may give way. In the mildest scenario, Russian sailors will have to specify not Sevastopol as their final destination, but, say, Novorossiysk, in order to avoid problems with the sanctions regime. In a radical variant, the services of the Spanish ports will have to be completely abandoned, looking for more suitable places in Morocco or Algeria.

Much more interesting is the question of why eurodeputies were preoccupied with the question of Ceuta right now, although there were no special claims to the Spaniards before. In principle, a certain logic, in addition to the banal desire to create difficulties for Russia, is visible in the actions: it is connected with the upcoming replenishment of the Black Sea Fleet with ships and submarines, which are being built at Baltic shipyards or are being tested in the north. Especially those that can carry long-range Caliber cruise missiles. Although the short delivery of Ukrainian and German power plants for a long time disrupted the construction of new ships, some of them were finished by domestic shipbuilders. This year, the frigates “Admiral Grigorovich”, “Admiral Essen” and “Admiral Makarov”, as well as the submarines B-262 “Old Oskol”, B-265 “Krasnodar” and B-268 “Veliky Novgorod” should arrive on the Black Sea .

The appearance of these ships in the Black Sea Fleet is increasingly turning it from an isolated and vulnerable compound into a formidable weapon with long arms. And if Europeans are not able to prevent the replenishment of the fleet with new "Buyanas-M" for geographical reasons, then they are quite capable of obstructing the arrival of large ships. In this sense, the scandal around Ceuta begins to play with new colors.



If these assumptions are correct, then the haste with which the Russian fleet wants to close Ceuta is alarming. Obviously, it has a short-term effect and aims to ensure that ready-made ships do not get to the Black Sea Fleet this year, or even in the next six months, since Moscow will be able to find alternative routes further. Simple logic suggests that during this period military provocations are possible in the South, and the sea carriers of the Caliber are capable of playing the role of the ultima ratio.

Another reason for the scandal surrounding Ceuta may lie next to the planned campaign of the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov for Syria this summer (or autumn). There, not only the old Su-33 and Su-25UTG, but also the new MiG-29K should show themselves. This will be the first in a long time the use of such a powerful ship against a real enemy, training for the sea aviation, a demonstration of the flag and much more.

Anyway, the maritime authorities have something to think about. Putting all your eggs in one Spanish basket, of course, is easiest, but taking into account all the circumstances, it is hardly reasonable.
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  1. +48
    April 5 2016 06: 27
    And also Spain for the abolition of visas for Russians. Well, how will they achieve their goal? Interestingly, these European mongrels (Poland with the Baltic states) completely go out on feces. And after all, the smaller the state, the more ambition, the bug is small, but smelly
    1. +8
      April 5 2016 07: 57
      Guys, simulate the situation on our weights: a handful of deputies turned to Lavrov with a "fried" proposal in the hope of promoting themselves - and where he will send them in a soft manner, with the addition of DB. It seems to me that their reaction will not be too different, well, maybe some FM will be used instead of DB (in the sense of fucken morons, not frequency modulated).
    2. The comment was deleted.
    3. +7
      April 5 2016 10: 25
      Quote: veteran66
      And also Spain for the abolition of visas for Russians


      If a person has a European appearance, then he passes to Ceuta from the side of Morocco without taking his passport out of his pocket, i.e. without a visa.
      For African refugees, however, there is a tall fence, but it does not save, non-Europeans already have more than 50%, the city is turning into Moroccan. The future fate of the whole of Europe ...
  2. +15
    April 5 2016 06: 29
    According to media reports, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Federica Mogherini, has been approached by eleven members of the European Parliament demanding that the Russian warships enter the Spanish port of Ceuta.
    The answer lies in this sentence. eleven!!! deputies laughing ... If we consider that there are more than 700 of them in parliament, then we can say that this issue was not even raised .... Even in our Duma there are deputies who, for example, consider Crimea to be Ukrainian (Ponomoryov, Gudkov - de jure deputies) And what? We don’t say. State Duma deputies think .....
  3. +14
    April 5 2016 06: 29
    For Euroclops, yelling against Russia means being in "trend" and earning respect before the owners.
    1. +5
      April 5 2016 07: 55
      Quote: Arctidian
      For Euroclops, yelling against Russia means being in "trend" and earning respect before the owners.

      and for Spain it’s real money, which is so lacking ..... only the extreme impact will force them to refuse such kindness.
      1. 0
        April 5 2016 12: 17
        Quote: hert
        For Euroclops, yelling against Russia means being in "trend" and earning respect before the owners.
        and for Spain it’s real money, which is so lacking ..... only the extreme impact will force them to refuse such kindness.

        what is the extreme impact? Uncle Sam will order and that's all, even Madame Chancellor, seemingly the leader of the strongest European country, and she could not say "no", they bent down as they wanted. so it's a matter of flicking your fingers, they'll say - they'll do it. on this alternative must be sought urgently.
    2. +9
      April 5 2016 16: 00
      I disagree with you Dear, the owner does not respect "Euroclops", you are very polite to them, he just gives commands. Neither their opinion, nor their well-being is of interest to the owner, he plays his game and the role of bedbugs is completely determined by him. Bedbugs do not understand this and try to portray their own significance. Russia will hear this repeatedly. In fact, everything is Hollywood - remember GJ Jane with Demi Moore: Lieutenant, if I need your opinion, I'll tell you. In a specific situation, the bugs do not even understand that they will not see the lieutenant's shoulder straps. The officer corps is a caste, and they are "ordered" to go there
  4. +11
    April 5 2016 06: 30
    So Spain has territorial claims to England and demands that Gibroltar be returned to her, so everything is not so simple there. I agree with the author of the article, putting all `` eggs in one basket '' is stupid and fraught. It's time for officials to start wiggling their brains more often, otherwise many of them only eat bread for nothing.
  5. +14
    April 5 2016 06: 35
    The state of the Spanish economy is not the best. And the call of our ships is money, yes gentlemen, money. Which are not superfluous. In general, as with sanctions, do Russian bad to your own detriment.
    1. -1
      April 5 2016 12: 19
      Quote: Bureaucrat
      The state of the Spanish economy is not the best. And the call of our ships is money, yes gentlemen, money. Which are not superfluous. In general, as with sanctions, do Russian bad to your own detriment.

      and the closure of short loans for banks, both for us during the inclusion of sanctions, and in general death and collapse, so proud hidalgo will not be against closing the port
  6. +3
    April 5 2016 06: 36
    In Libya .. before the sad events in this country, our fleet could still stop for repairs .. and other things .. Now it’s probably not possible ..
    1. +2
      April 5 2016 14: 09
      In Libya .. before the sad events in this country, our fleet could still stop for repairs .. and other things .. Now it’s probably not possible.
      They will call at a gas station in Moroccan or Algerian port, and the Spaniards will be suckers if they bend.
  7. +5
    April 5 2016 06: 44
    Spain is generally an amazing country in relation to Russia and in world politics. God grant that she does not bend, like everyone else.
  8. +4
    April 5 2016 06: 47
    As there in the film, "Only old men go to battle" - THERE, at Hitler's rate, everyone is insane ... the phrase for good reason, does not lose its relevance to this day ..
    1. +9
      April 5 2016 09: 28
      Quote: Shiva83483
      As there in the film, "Only old men go to battle" - THERE, at Hitler's rate, everyone is insane ... the phrase for good reason, does not lose its relevance to this day ..

      "At Hitler's headquarters, everyone is wicked." Be careful with the classics.
  9. +7
    April 5 2016 06: 48
    Well, Spain will forbid entry to our ships, we will find an alternative route, but it seems to me that the response will be much tougher, Spain is not so good with the economy, and the introduction of sanctions for their merchant fleet and other events will be almost collapse, so it’s not profitable forbid us.
  10. +14
    April 5 2016 06: 55
    In the 90 years, we could not even dream of calling at a foreign port when moving to the Baltic from Sevastopol and back.
    At the crossing, they waited for a tanker at the points and refueled with fuel, water, and food. And nothing.
  11. +16
    April 5 2016 07: 02
    Submarines marched on the Black Sea Fleet on their own and without refueling, EMNIP. And refueling of any ship is decided by the banal escort of a detachment of ships by tankers, which, by the way, can be sent towards - at least from Tartus, even from Novoros. Refueling at sea is more problematic than at the port, but this is a very ordinary procedure.
    All howls are heard only because the ships of the most probable enemy are served in the port of the NATO country wink and the Baltic and Pshepol trash once again drew attention to their own persons, so as not to forget about them, God forbid.
    1. +6
      April 5 2016 07: 40
      Quote: inkass_98
      Baltic and Pshepol trash once again attracted attention to their own personalities

      And they are envious that they do not go to them. wassat and in general, this is interference in the internal affairs of the country. Not? And in Spain, in spite of everything, they remember how the Spaniards fought against the Nazis shoulder to shoulder with the Russians, and how Russia accepted the Spanish children.
      1. 0
        April 5 2016 14: 58
        Quote: Egoza
        And they are envious that they do not go to them.


        Um ... Wait ... Let’s go ... But we won’t leave, as in the collapse of the Union ...
    2. +4
      April 5 2016 09: 16
      Quote: inkass_98
      Submarines marched on the Black Sea Fleet on their own and without refueling, EMNIP. And refueling of any ship is decided by the banal escort of a detachment of ships by tankers, which, by the way, can be sent towards - at least from Tartus, even from Novoros. Refueling at sea is more problematic than at the port, but this is a very ordinary procedure.

      I, too, do not understand the noise about "Anyway, the naval authorities have something to think about. Putting all your eggs in one Spanish basket, of course, is the easiest thing, but all things considered, it is hardly reasonable." Everything has long been invented and there is no point in reinventing the wheel again. And to comrades like ...
      Quote: Sarma
      I agree with the author of the article, putting all the “eggs in one basket” is stupid and fraught. It’s time for officials to start wiggling their brains more often, otherwise many of them only eat bread for nothing.

      Quote: sergeyzzz
      Can the author suggest another place?

      I want to remind you about the experience of the Soviet 5th OpEsk, for such cases the squadron headquarters used the 64th point near Moroko, "the village of Selivanovka" (No. 3), "the village of Akimovka ... aka Volobuevka" (No. 52), all at its disposal 5th Squadron had 60 points throughout the Mediterranean. I am somehow sure that the experience of the past has been taken into account by the current command of the Russian Navy.
  12. +1
    April 5 2016 07: 03
    Putting all your eggs in one Spanish basket is, of course, the easiest, but taking all the circumstances into account is hardly reasonable.

    Can the author suggest another place?
    1. +1
      April 5 2016 07: 27
      Quote: sergeyzzz
      Can the author suggest another place?

      In a radical version, the services of Spanish ports will have to be abandoned altogether, looking for more suitable places in Morocco or Algeria.
    2. +5
      April 5 2016 08: 47
      Algeria (Oran) is not the place - the Algerians willingly buy weapons from us, including the notorious "Varshavyanka" (2 in service, 2 contract, starting from 2016). Why not give our ships a break
  13. +3
    April 5 2016 07: 03
    Deputies, mainly representing Poland and the Baltic states, expressed the opinion that such visits violate the sanctions,

    And who still needs to howl more than anyone else, no matter how sprats or priblitsudam? And they won’t say - they won’t get another rations, like faithful dogs of the merikatosia! laughing
  14. +5
    April 5 2016 07: 32
    The dog barks - the caravan goes on. Sailors do not go to a tavern and shops, of all affairs.
    And all the necessary things will be done by support ships.
  15. +5
    April 5 2016 07: 50
    Geysouz preaches NON-INTERVENTION in the affairs of other countries, but they themselves do what. Really ... frostbitten crap. Democrats ....
  16. +4
    April 5 2016 07: 59
    My grandfather - Land in peace - in Spain fought with fascism - a tanker near Teruel was wounded. Interesting Spaniards remember this ???? or just business and nothing personal ????? just profitable to serve our boats ???? let's see how it goes.
  17. +5
    April 5 2016 08: 07
    eleven members of the European Parliament asked to deal with the call of Russian warships in the Spanish port of Ceuta

    This Polish-Baltic whimpering towards Russia is already pretty tired and becoming an obligatory accompaniment to any European gathering. Probably still weakly pinched by them in economic terms, it is required to increase retaliatory sanctions. And there should be a special conversation with Poland, especially after the decision was made to demolish the monuments of Soviet wars.
  18. +2
    April 5 2016 08: 30
    "Balts" and "Poles" only broadcast the opinion of someone in Washington. In this situation, you should only work directly. Staff members are quick to negotiate only when they are hurt. Selyavi.
  19. 0
    April 5 2016 08: 39
    It is necessary to profit from this EU. Every man for himself.
  20. +1
    April 5 2016 09: 04
    1 question, why not?
    2 question, will the Russian fleet enter after leaving the ceuta to Poland?
  21. +1
    April 5 2016 09: 12
    It was obvious that it was offensive to the Pshkam and the Baltic states that the Russian sailors did not come to spend it. So they will behave in the same way, they will have to go in ....
  22. +1
    April 5 2016 09: 13
    That's what they climb, apparently they want to place # spratnoshtormotoleletnoe bombing fleet there? laughing
  23. +1
    April 5 2016 10: 05
    Probably the Spaniards are not completely fools, and they will choose the money. And not small, I think.
  24. +1
    April 5 2016 11: 47
    The article is quite informative, but slightly alarmist. Of course, it is always better to call a port to replenish supplies and rest personnel of ships than to do this without calling at anchor, for example. Or on the go. But it was during the existence of the 5th Flotilla (and before that squadron) of the Navy when moving from the Baltic or from the North that our ships did not enter any Ceuta. Although it is clearly visible from the water both day and night. Refueling and replenishing supplies not going from tankers or supply ships. Or - the same thing at anchor points. By the way, not so far from this very Ceuta. I believe that nothing terrible will happen to our ships in the event of a forced abandonment of Ceuta, although additional slaves with a floating rear will appear. Although there is no silver lining - there will be an additional marine practice of replenishing stocks at sea on the move, which, in due time, was well worked out in our fleet.
  25. +1
    April 5 2016 11: 54
    Everyone knows the pathological hatred of Russia crying Mogherini. Recently, she demanded that the UN connect all of its member countries to anti-Russian sanctions, and now Ceuta turned up on her arm.
    1. 0
      April 5 2016 13: 47
      So she apparently, like Pharion, from dissatisfaction with all this laughing
  26. 0
    April 5 2016 13: 40
    an absolutely ridiculous version was expressed that Russian troops in Ukraine could be supplied with ships.

    For ukrov it is not at all ridiculous, they sent a train to China along the new "silk road" laughing
  27. 0
    April 5 2016 14: 11
    Here's how to make friends with Moroccans! ...
    And sorry, goodbye, Spanish Ceuta.
    Hello Ceuta Moroccan.

    But seriously, I would take on the spot of the Spaniards and send to Ceuta on foot a dozen dozen affair from the EU, led by Federica Flaviovna Mogherini. Straight on foot, straight from Brussels.
  28. 0
    April 5 2016 14: 34
    The loss of Ceuta is not fatal for us. It is necessary to negotiate with Algeria or Tunisia on the deployment of the Russian Navy, this will be an excellent bone in the throat of the EU.
  29. 0
    April 5 2016 14: 41
    Quote: Sarma
    . It is time for officials to begin to move their brains more often, otherwise many of them eat bread for nothing.

    It would be nice of course, but it looks like most of them need a head in order to eat there!
  30. 0
    April 5 2016 15: 45
    Quote: koshmarik
    Everyone knows the pathological hatred of Russia crying Mogherini.

    Quote: Bulrumeb
    So she apparently, like Pharion, from dissatisfaction with all this laughing

    A couple of years ago, before her appointment, there was quite a pro-Russian aunt .... Right then there were a lot of comments on the site, like, they’ll put Mogherini right now, and we’ll bend everyone here. Even did not go 8)
  31. +1
    April 5 2016 16: 13
    The Balts are just a toad strangling, Russia pays for all these stops for refueling and repairs in foreign currency! At one time, Russia wanted to do the same actions in Latvia on good terms, but the "Hans" got into a pose and "angrily" rejected them. As a result, millions dollars flew past the Latvian treasury and settled in the Spanish and other more reasonable countries! Farm thinking in Latvia rules, it is immortal!
  32. 0
    April 5 2016 20: 26
    The answer to the European MPs is to accompany our ships with transport and, as another option, close the Northern Sea Route for passage of European and state ships and citizens.
  33. 0
    April 5 2016 21: 13
    I don’t understand the near-Baltic powerful bunch. What did they get to us, provoke? Or shit from impotent envy? Close borders, show national pride. And put your teeth on the shelf, as unnecessary.
    They live off the trade between Russia and Germany, they consider it a happiness to wash the toilets in London, and for some reason they think that they mean something.
    Which old said that Poland is the territory in which Germany and Russia are fighting? So now Germany is also a possible meeting place for Abrams and Armat. Although it is very possible that they will hopefully look east hoping for salvation from jihad.
    They should sit on the priest exactly, and strengthen the bridges with roads so that the tanks pass quickly.

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