Russian President Vladimir Putin has outmanoeuvred President Donald Trump’s stance in the Russia-Ukraine war by expanding Russia’s reach by establishing a new naval base abroad.
Trump’s administration has imposed limited new sanctions on Russia. Focusing primarily on the energy sector, Trump sanctioned Russia’s two largest oil companies: Rosneft and Lukoil, along with their subsidiaries targetting entities funding Russia’s war efforts due to what the administration described as Putin’s “refusal to end this senseless war” and lack of commitment to peace.
In response, Putin is pursuing new strategic footholds beyond Europe.
Sudan Offers Putin Naval Base in Exchange for Weapons
On February 19, Visegrad reports revealed that Sudan offered Putin a naval base in return for military equipment, a move that could expand Moscow’s presence along a key global trade route.
“Sudan has offered Russia a naval base in exchange for weapons, giving Moscow potential control over a key global trade route,” the report confirmed.
According to the reports, the proposed base would allow Putin to monitor traffic in the Red Sea and the Suez Canal corridor, which accounts for about 12% of global trade.
Additionally, Khartoum reportedly proposed hosting up to 300 Russian personnel and four warships for 25 years, in exchange for discounted Russian air defence systems and other weapons.
The arrangement could also grant Russians access to mining concessions in Sudan, Africa’s third-largest gold producer.
“Moscow could also gain access to valuable mining concessions in Sudan, Africa’s third-largest gold producer,” it was confirmed.
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Zelenskyy urges Trump to impose total sanctions on Russia
The Ukrainian President VolodymyrZelenskyy, in his X post, praised U.S President Donald Trump for previously sanctioning major Russian energy companies, including Lukoil and Rosneft, appealing that more decisive action is required.
According to Zelenskyy, such measures could send a clear and powerful message to both Putin and European nations, urging that the sanctions should extend to all Russian energy interests, especially nuclear energy.
“Total sanctions mean total. President Trump took strong steps to sanction Lukoil and Rosneft. We are thankful to him. He can sanction all of their energy, in particular nuclear energy. And it will be a powerful message to the Europeans,” said Zelenskyy.
The Ukrainian president’s comments come amid ongoing debates in Europe and the U.S. over how to escalate economic pressure on Putin following its invasion of Ukraine.
Zelenskyy Intensifies Belarus Sanctions Over War Support Networks with Putin
Zelenskyy has declared war on Putin, announcing a new package of sanctions targeting Belarus over its role in supporting Russia’s military operations.
In his statement on February 18, Zelenskyy said the measures are aimed at disrupting critical support systems that have enabled attacks on Ukrainian territory.
“Today, Ukraine applied a package of sanctions against Alexander Lukashenko, and we will significantly intensify countermeasures against all forms of his assistance in the killing of Ukrainians,” Zelenskyy stated.
He added that Ukraine will coordinate with partners “so that this has a global effect.”
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