US Envoy Accuses Russia of Funding Both Sides in Sudan's Civil War

Russia is reportedly financing both sides of Sudan's 2023 civil conflict to further its political and economic goals, according to a January 6 statement by US Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, as reported by Reuters.

"Russia chose obstruction: standing alone as it voted to imperil civilians while funding both sides of the conflict – yes, that's what I said: both sides," Thomas-Greenfield told the council on January 6, without giving further details.

A spokesperson for the US mission to the UN, when asked for further details, stated that Washington is aware of Russia's "ongoing interest in Sudan's gold trade" and strongly condemns any form of material support for the conflicting parties, "whether it be through illicit gold trading or the provision of military equipment."

"We believe Sudanese authorities' gold mining cooperation with sanctioned Russian entities and individuals could prove inimical to Sudan's long-term interests and the aspirations of the Sudanese people for an end to the war," the spokesperson added.

In November, Russia vetoed a UN Security Council draft resolution urging the warring parties to halt hostilities immediately and facilitate humanitarian aid delivery. The other 14 council members supported the resolution.

In April 2023, clashes erupted between rival armed factions in Sudan's capital, Khartoum. Since the outbreak of conflict on April 15, 2023, nearly 15,000 lives have been lost, and over 8.2 million people displaced, marking the world's most severe displacement crisis.

On January 6, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that Russia is prepared to provide North Korea with advanced space and satellite technologies in exchange for weapons and other equipment to support its war against Ukraine.