Vantage | How the war in Ukraine reached Sudan

The conflict in Ukraine has found a new battleground, thousands of miles away in Sudan. While it might seem improbable at first glance, the reality is stark. Ukrainian and Russian forces are now clashing in the capital city of Khartoum. This unexpected turn of events raises questions about Ukraine’s involvement in a distant conflict and the implications it holds.

Brewing conflict in Sudan

The Sudanese conflict has been simmering for months, often overshadowed by more widely covered crises like those in Ukraine and Gaza. Despite the lack of global attention, the situation in Sudan is dire, with over 13,000 casualties, eight million displaced persons and 25 million people in urgent need of humanitarian aid.

Ukraine’s entry into this already messy affair has only exacerbated tensions and violence. The conflict initially began in April of the previous year with Kyiv’s active involvement beginning around August.

Role of Abel Fattah al-Burhan

Abel Fattah al-Burhan, the de facto military leader of Sudan, finds himself at odds with his former ally, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemeti, who leads the rebel forces. Al-Burhan, once on shaky ground, sought assistance when his position weakened. In a surprising move, he turned to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for help, citing their past cooperation during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Ukraine’s intervention

Responding to Al-Burhan’s call for aid, Ukraine dispatched nearly 100 commandos to Sudan. Their primary objective was to rescue Al-Burhan from the encroaching rebel forces and ensure his safety in Port Sudan, a city under his control.

During a meeting between Zelensky and Al-Burhan in September 2023, the leaders discussed the presence of Russian-funded armed groups, particularly Wagner, a notorious group of mercenaries sponsored by the Russian state. This meeting marked the formation of an alliance against Wagner, which operates both in Ukraine and Sudan, aiding rebel forces against established regimes.

Military 0perations and strategies

Ukrainian commandos conducted numerous missions in Sudan, leveraging their expertise and equipment, including night vision gear, to outmanoeuver and outgun Hemeti’s forces. One such operation involved targeting a rebel base using drones and precision airstrikes.

Ukraine’s involvement in Sudan serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it creates a new front against Russia, aiming to drain its military and financial resources. Additionally, by disrupting Wagner’s activities in Sudan, Ukraine seeks to protect Sudan’s gold reserves, which have been exploited by Russian forces.

However, Ukraine’s ability to sustain its operations in Sudan is uncertain. With Western aid dwindling and logistical challenges mounting, Kyiv faces significant hurdles. Moreover, questions arise about the transparency of Ukraine’s actions and the extent to which Western powers were informed and involved in its Sudanese campaign.

The war in Ukraine has expanded beyond its borders, reaching Africa and entangling Kyiv in Sudanese affairs. As Ukraine navigates this complex conflict, the support of Western allies and the transparency of its actions will be critical factors in shaping its trajectory. Ultimately, Ukraine’s intervention in Sudan underscores the interconnectedness of global conflicts and the complexities of modern warfare.

Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.