News of War Staff Writer
Wagner Mercenaries
Ukrainian Special Forces Clash with Wagner Mercenaries in Africa
In a significant move, Ukrainian special forces have been reported to engage directly with Wagner Group mercenaries in... Sudan.
Security sources have confirmed to The National that Kyiv has dispatched specialist operators to Sudan for secret missions targeting the Wagner Group, a notorious Russian private military company, now called "Africa Corps." - These operations have reportedly resulted in casualties among Wagner soldiers.
A USOF Soldier
A video circulated by the Kyiv Post, and seen by News of War, attributed to Ukrainian military intelligence, shows the interrogation of captured individuals, including a Russian mercenary and two African soldiers, alluding to a complex battlefield in Sudan. The captives, found in a precarious situation, indicated their affiliation with PMC Wagner/ Africa Corps and disclosed their mission objectives and compensation, highlighting the mercenary group's activities in the region.
The footage not only reveals the presence of Wagner mercenaries in Sudan but also suggests their involvement in supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which are embroiled in a civil war against the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). This involvement appears to be part of a broader strategy by Russia to extend its influence in Africa, leveraging mercenary groups to secure political and military objectives.
Ukraine's decision to engage in Sudan reflects a broader strategic objective to counter Russian influence globally. The operation follows a pattern of Ukrainian efforts to challenge Russian operations beyond the European theatre. It's reported that Ukrainian suicide drones have been used against RSF.
The operation in Sudan came to light following a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Abdel Fattah Al Burhan, Sudan's de facto leader, where they discussed the challenges posed by illegal armed groups financed by Russia AKA Wagner or Africa Corps.
This special forces operation in Sudan is an example of the international dimensions of the Ukraine-Russia war, illustrating how it has transcended its original geographic confines. The presence of Ukrainian forces in Africa to combat Russian mercenaries encapsulates the global stakes involved, as nations vie for influence and security in a rapidly changing world order.