Sudan's military leader, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, is visiting Moscow to strengthen ties with Russia amid Western isolation of Russia over its actions in Ukraine. The visit, which includes Sudanese ministers, aims to expand trade and investment relations. Despite the timing, Sudan's foreign ministry states the visit is unrelated to the Ukraine conflict. Analysts suggest the visit could be an opportunity for both countries, facing Western isolation, to collaborate further, potentially involving a Russian military base in Port Sudan.

Sudan's military rulers have formed an emergency committee to address the country's economic crisis, highlighting gold mining as a potential solution. Despite denials from Sudan's ambassador to Russia, reports suggest rampant gold smuggling, including to Russia, amid sanctions over its Ukraine invasion. General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemeti, has been involved in efforts to stabilize the economy, while analysts point to the involvement of the Rapid Support Forces and Russian companies in smuggling activities. The situation is further complicated by Sudan's political instability following a military coup and ongoing protests.

General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, the deputy head of Sudan’s ruling Sovereign Council, is visiting Moscow to meet with Russian officials. The visit aims to expand relations and strengthen cooperation between Sudan and Russia, despite Western sanctions on Russia due to the Ukraine conflict. Sudan’s foreign ministry insists the timing is coincidental and unrelated to the Ukraine situation. The delegation includes Sudanese ministers focusing on finance, minerals, livestock, and agriculture, indicating trade and investment topics. However, there is speculation that both countries, facing Western isolation, might leverage the situation to further their interests, including discussions on a potential Russian military base at Port-Sudan. Sudan's military has faced protests since taking power in October, but has expressed openness to the Russian base, according to statements made to Russian state media by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.