Russians Evacuate from Syria on Truck Stolen in Ukraine

18 December, 2024 A truck stolen by the Russian army from Ukraine. Photo: Pepel Klaasa The Russian military used a truck stolen in Ukraine to evacuate its contingent in Syria.

A video of the truck was posted by Pepel Klaasa on X social media. According to the author, the truck was stolen by the Russian military during the retreat from Kherson in 2022. The vehicle was unknowingly transported to Syria, where it was used by the Russian military and, in particular, involved in the evacuation of their units from Syria.

During the occupation of some regions of Ukraine, Russian troops expropriated a significant amount of civilian vehicles that the enemy used for military purposes, personnel transportation and evacuation. Most of the vehicles were taken from large companies that had trucks on their balance sheets.

These trucks the Russian troops primarily tried to seize. According to the MOST media outlet, the looting by the Russian military in Kherson region went so far as to take even old Soviet cars, such as ZAZ and Moskvich. In addition to Ukraine, independent Syrian media reported that the Russian contingent had stolen cars in the regions where they were patrolling.

This information is confirmed by photo and video materials.

An SUV stolen by Russians in Belarus. Photo: motolko.help

In particular, during the evacuation of the Russian contingent, vehicles with Syrian license plates were used, whose acquisition by the Russian forces remains unexplained. Previously, Militarnyi reported that anonymous sources of the Reuters news agency informed the agency that some military equipment was being delivered to Russia, as well as high-ranking officers of Assad's army.

In addition, the Russian contingent, which was deployed in northern Syria and the Alawite Mountains, has now left its positions. The new Syrian government has not yet begun official negotiations with Moscow on the status of Russian bases and further cooperation, which may not continue. In addition, the Russian Khmeimim airbase in the Syrian province of Latakia continues to operate despite the overthrow of the Assad regime.

Judging by the published footage, Su-24 frontline bombers, Su-34 fighter-bombers, and Su-30/35 fighters remain on the territory of the airbase.

In addition, military transport aircraft An-72, An-26, and Il-76 are stationed at the airbase.

Khmeimim also has helicopters, including Ka-52 attack aircraft and Mi-8/17 multipurpose helicopters.