Sudanese Defense Minister Yassin Ibrahim confirmed that Khartoum is willing to allow Russia to establish a naval base on the Red Sea coast in exchange for support for the Sudanese army and significant investment in the country's economy. However, despite the resumption of negotiations, the fate of the project remains uncertain. 

The establishment of a Russian naval base in Port Sudan has been under discussion since 2019. In December 2020, a preliminary agreement was even signed to build a logistics base for the Russian Navy, which could become a key element in Russia’s strategy to strengthen its presence in the Red Sea and East Africa. 

However, in recent years, the project has faced numerous obstacles. Political instability in Sudan, civil war and changing geopolitical conditions in the region have repeatedly postponed the final decision. In 2021, negotiations reached a dead end after a military coup in Khartoum, and the new authorities revised all external agreements, including agreements with Russia. 

Now, amid the resumption of negotiations, Russia is trying to strengthen its position in the region by offering military and economic support to Sudan. According to Yassin Ibrahim, in addition to direct assistance to the army, Sudan is counting on large-scale investments in infrastructure projects, the development of port infrastructure and the energy sector. 

Experts believe that having a permanent Russian Navy base on the Red Sea is of strategic importance. It will allow Russia to control important sea routes connecting Europe with Asia, as well as create a bridgehead to support operations in Africa and the Middle East.