Intelligence: Russia suspends agreements to establish naval logistics point in Port Sudan

The base was to become Russia’s first full-fledged naval facility in Africa after the collapse of the USSR.

This was reported by the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine.

The Russian Federation announced the suspension of the agreements, citing the escalation of the civil conflict in the country. The project envisaged the placement of up to 300 military personnel and four ships for 25 years with the possibility of extension.

“The suspension of the project was a tangible strategic blow to Moscow. Port Sudan was seen as a key element for the permanent presence of the Russian Federation in the Indian Ocean, control of the Red Sea and access to the Suez Canal area. However, even if the project is implemented, the capabilities of the Russian fleet remain limited by the war against Ukraine,” the report says.

According to intelligence, this is also reflected in a sharp decrease in activity in the Mediterranean Sea: in recent months it has been reduced to episodic departures of one submarine of projects 877/636. The reason is the loss of support for the port of Tartus in Syria, which provided repairs and logistics for the group. For comparison: in 2018, the Russian Federation kept at least two submarines and about ten surface ships there.

“Against this background, the Kremlin is shifting its focus to the Baltic Sea and the Arctic. The suspension of the project in Port Sudan demonstrates the limited resources of the Russian Federation for expanding its foreign military infrastructure in conditions of war and weakens its position in the African direction,” the department concluded.

Recall that in February 2025, Sudan agreed with the Russian Federation to create a naval base in the Red Sea.