Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Moscow's readiness to assist in ending the Sudanese war and establishing peace free of external dictates.
During their participation in the third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow, Putin presented army commander and Chairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council of Sudan Abdel Fattah al-Burhan with a roadmap to bolster bilateral cooperation across various economic and technical sectors.
Al-Burhan called for a strategic partnership with Russia, proposing the establishment of a free economic zone on the Red Sea coast.
This coincided with allegations by Sudanese Foreign Minister Mohieddin Salem that Ukrainian military personnel are participating in combat alongside the Rapid Support Forces.
In his address to the summit, al-Burhan said his government wants to achieve peace and stability in a manner that preserves the state's sovereignty, dignity, and unity, while fulfilling the aspirations of the Sudanese people.
Any solution must stem entirely from the will of the Sudanese themselves, he stressed.
He added that his government is working to pave the way for a civilian democratic transition through intra-Sudanese dialogue that aims to establish a sustainable foundation for political stability through a transitional period followed by free and fair elections under regional and international oversight.
Al-Burhan described the ongoing conflict in the country since April 2023 as a "war of aggression" waged by a "terrorist rebel militia."
He accused unnamed regional and international powers of providing political and logistical support to the RSF, while praising Russia's in support of Sudan's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.
Noting that 70 years have passed since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, he reaffirmed his aspiration to develop them into a strategic partnership covering various fields.
For his part, Putin said that Russia values its historic ties with Sudan and attaches great importance to them, expressing Moscow's readiness to provide support to establish peace free of external dictates.
During a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the summit, Putin stressed his country's backing for a cessation of hostilities and a transition to a political settlement.
He pointed to the humanitarian repercussions of the conflict and the extensive damage inflicted on the Sudanese economy and infrastructure, according to the Russian news agency RIA Novosti.
Putin presented al-Burhan with what the Kremlin press office described as a "Russian roadmap" for bilateral cooperation, suggesting that the Sudanese government review it to identify projects aligning with its priorities.
The proposed sectors span trade, industry, and advanced technology, alongside the digital economy, healthcare, education, and logistics.
The Russian president also announced the allocation of 100 state-funded scholarships for Sudanese students at Russian universities for 2026, with plans to increase that figure to 140 next year.
No financial details or execution timelines were disclosed for the roadmap, which serves as a proposed framework rather than a final binding agreement.
In a move reflecting Khartoum's interest in expanding economic cooperation with Moscow, al-Burhan proposed the establishment of a free economic zone on the Red Sea coast, which Russia could utilize to set up fuel and wheat storage warehouses, reported Russian media.
Ukrainians taking part in war
Meanwhile, FM Salem accused Ukrainian military personnel of participating in combat alongside the RSF, revealing that Sudanese authorities detained some and killed others during military operations.
The Novosti news agency reported that Salem, who is accompanying al-Burhan on his visit to Moscow, claimed the detained Ukrainians included snipers and military trainers working with the RSF.
The minister accused Ukrainian specialists of training the RSF to operate drones, which he said are used to target civilian facilities and infrastructure.
Salem noted that Khartoum possesses evidence of Ukrainians, Colombians, and other foreign nationals participating in the fighting.
He also disclosed that he led a delegation to Washington last year, delivering documents to US officials that can prove American weapons reached Sudan through Ukraine and other sources.
