April 8, 2024
By Jiwoo Choi
According to a recent report by the Wall Street Journal, Ukrainian and Russian forces are actively engaged in proxy battles within the ongoing civil war in Sudan, now in its third year. Since April 2023, clashes have persisted between government troops led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), commanded by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.
Both Russia and Ukraine were drawn into the conflict due to Sudan's abundant resources of gold and weapons. Over the years, Sudan has become a hub for arms shipments from various countries, including the United States, Russia, and China. General al-Burhan, reportedly supported by Russia, sought assistance from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after being besieged by rebels in the capital, Khartoum. Ukrainian forces swiftly intervened, with around 100 special forces operatives arriving in Sudan in mid-August of the same year.
The involvement of Ukrainian troops in Sudan, seen as a strategy to disrupt Russia's foreign military and economic activities, reflects a broader geopolitical tension. However, some Ukrainian military personnel acknowledge the challenges of fighting Russia on Sudanese soil, emphasizing the importance of neutralizing Sudan's gold mines to undermine Russian interests.
Comments