In 2023, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy directed Ukrainian military personnel to operate in Sudan during the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces, led by the de facto authority Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces under the command of Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemetti. This development is reported by sources cited in The Wall Street Journal. The article describes Kyiv’s response as fulfilling a request from Sudanese leaders and frames it as part of Ukraine’s broader strategic moves in the face of Russian aggression. The Journal notes that Zelenskiy’s decision represented a bold step in a campaign described as a new initiative against Moscow, highlighting the political risk inherent in foreign deployments when Western support for Ukraine can shift over time.
The Wall Street Journal emphasizes that Ukraine’s involvement places it within a civil conflict on foreign soil, where civilian harm has been substantial and the United States has accused the warring parties of potential war crimes. This context underscores the controversial nature of international participation in Sudan’s internal struggle and the delicate balance Ukraine must maintain between seeking support and managing domestic political ramifications.
Earlier reports from CNN indicated that Ukrainian security services likely identified the involvement of Ukrainian assets in orchestrating a series of UAV strikes and ground operations. These activities were directed against the Rapid Reaction Forces that have supported the Wagner private military company in the contest for control in Sudan, illustrating the broader reach of Kyiv’s intelligence and military resources in theater operations abroad.
The hostilities between the Sudanese Armed Forces, under al-Burhan, and the Rapid Reaction Force led by Hemetti reached a pronounced, open phase on the morning of April 15, 2023. The fighting produced widespread destruction, disrupted healthcare systems, and prompted the displacement of tens of thousands of residents, creating a humanitarian crisis that drew international attention and concern. The intensity and trajectory of the conflict have influenced regional security dynamics and prompted various international responses aimed at mitigating civilian suffering and stabilizing the humanitarian situation.
In the interim, Sudanese emergency response agencies announced readiness for a potential ceasefire, signaling a possible shift toward negotiations or pauses in hostilities amid ongoing international diplomacy and pressure from regional actors. These developments reflect the volatile nature of Sudan’s conflict and the competing interests at play among domestic factions and foreign partners seeking influence or stability in the region.