Ukrainian Forces Clash with Russian Mercenaries in Sudan, Escalating Zelensky-Putin Conflict

Emerging evidence suggests that Ukrainian forces are engaged in combat against Russian mercenaries from the Wagner group in Sudan, marking an escalation of the conflict between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin beyond Ukraine's borders. Footage has surfaced showing Ukrainian special forces interrogating a Russian prisoner of war and two African fighters, confirming the presence of Ukrainian troops in Sudan.

The involvement of Ukrainian forces in Sudan comes after months of speculation that Ukraine had deployed troops to combat the Wagner presence in the country as part of a broader campaign to weaken Russian interests globally. President Zelensky had previously discussed 'common security challenges' with Sudan's de facto ruler Abdel Fattah Al Burhan, including the activities of 'illegal armed groups financed by Russia'.

The conflict in Sudan is seen as an extension of the geopolitical rivalry between Ukraine and Russia, with Ukraine seeking to undermine Russian influence in Africa. Ukrainian special forces known as BRATSTVO are allegedly fighting against Russian Wagner mercenaries, now called the Africa Corps, who are aligned with the rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan. The clashes between Sudan's national army and the paramilitary RSF began on April 15, 2023.

Why this matters: The alleged involvement of Ukrainian forces in Sudan's conflict signifies a widening of the confrontation between Ukraine and Russia beyond the immediate theater of war. It underscores the global nature of the rivalry between the two nations and the potential for proxy conflicts in regions where Russian mercenaries are active.

According to reports from Chadian media and international institutions, several countries, including Chad, Niger, Central Africa, South Sudan, Somalia, Nigeria, Congo, Yemen, Libya, and the UAE, have deployed mercenaries to fight alongside the RSF militia in Sudan's ongoing war against the Sudanese Armed Forces. Sudanese army commanders have frequently accused the RSF militia of relying on foreign militants, with Chadians being the most prominent expatriate elements.

The presence of mercenaries has become a burden on the RSF militia, with reports of crimes and violations committed by these foreign fighters. This reliance on external support, including from the UAE and the Wagner Group, is seen as a sign of the RSF militia's inability to sustain the war on its own. The Sudanese government has filed a complaint against the UAE at the UN Security Council for its participation in the war and support for the RSF militia.

The Director of Sudan's General Intelligence Service, Ahmed Mufaddal, is currently in Russia attending a meeting of high-level security representatives. He discussed the military and political developments in Sudan with Russia's Special Presidential Representative for the Middle East and Africa, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov. This suggests a deepening involvement of external actors in Sudan's conflict.

The clashes between Ukrainian forces and Russian mercenaries in Sudan underscore the complex web of foreign interests and proxy actors involved in the country's ongoing civil war. As Sudanese army commanders accuse the RSF militia of relying on foreign militants and external support, the alleged presence of Ukrainian troops adds another layer to the conflict. The discussions between Sudanese and Russian officials in Moscow further highlight the geopolitical dimensions of the crisis in Sudan.

Key Takeaways

• Ukrainian forces engaged in combat against Russian Wagner mercenaries in Sudan.
• Conflict in Sudan seen as extension of Ukraine-Russia geopolitical rivalry in Africa.
• Several countries deployed mercenaries to fight alongside Sudan's RSF militia against army.
• Sudanese army accuses RSF of relying on foreign militants, including Chadians.
• Sudanese intelligence chief met Russian officials, highlighting external involvement in conflict.