The United States has accused Russia of funding both sides in Sudan’s ongoing conflict, marking a more direct accusation than Washington’s previous claims of Moscow playing both sides to pursue its political goals.
The war, which broke out in April 2023 between General al-Burhan’s forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) ahead of a planned transition to civilian rule, has resulted in the largest displacement and hunger crisis in the world.
In November, Russia vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution urging an immediate ceasefire and the delivery of humanitarian aid, with the remaining 14 council members voting in favor of the resolution.
U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., Linda Thomas-Greenfield, criticized Russia, stating: “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.” She provided no further details at the time.
A U.S. mission spokesperson later elaborated, saying Washington was aware of Russia’s “ongoing interest in Sudan’s gold trade” and condemned any support, including military aid or illicit gold trading, for the warring factions. The U.S. expressed concerns that Sudanese cooperation with sanctioned Russian entities could undermine Sudan’s long-term interests and its people’s aspirations for peace.
In response, Russia’s Deputy U.N. Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy expressed regret over the U.S. position, claiming, “It’s obvious that in the Pax Americana, which our American colleagues try to preserve at any cost, relations with other countries are built on exploitation and criminal schemes aimed at U.S. enrichment.”
Earlier, in December, Russia’s U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia dismissed what he called “fabrications” by Western countries and media, denying that Moscow sought to play both sides in the conflict for its own benefit.
At what is expected to be her final U.N. Security Council meeting, Thomas-Greenfield became emotional, expressing disappointment over her inability to do more for Sudan. “For all the disappointment that I couldn’t do more, that we – all of us – didn’t do more, I still remain hopeful,” she said. “Hopeful that the representatives sitting around this table – the colleagues who have become friends – will continue this sacred mission, this ultimate responsibility.”
Thomas-Greenfield was appointed by President Joe Biden. Donald Trump will succeed Biden on Jan. 20.
