Tensions are soaring between Russia and the West. Confident Putin warns Europe is ‘defenceless’

TENSIONS are soaring between Russia and the West. Russian President Vladimir Putin sounds increasingly confident and determined not to back down. He seems to believe that in the current standoff between Russia and the West, it is the West that will blink first. Read more.

From BBC News
By STEVE ROSENBERG
Russia editor
Reporting from St Petersburg
Friday, 7 June 2024 - here is a full copy:

Confident Putin warns Europe is ‘defenceless’

Image source: EPA. Image caption: 

The Russian president's speech capped a surreal week in St Petersburg

Ever since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Moscow has been engaged in nuclear sabre-rattling, dropping a series of not-so-subtle hints that trying to defeat a nuclear power like Russia could have disastrous consequences for those who try.

Today President Putin claimed that Russia wouldn’t need to use a nuclear weapon to achieve victory in Ukraine.

He was being interviewed at a panel discussion at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum: the annual event often described as ‘Russia’s Davos’.

There are few occasions when Mr Putin looks dovish compared to the person asking him the questions.

But when the person asking the questions is Sergei Karaganov it would be hard not to. Mr Karaganov is a hawkish Russian foreign policy expert. Last year he called for a pre-emptive nuclear strike. Today he suggested holding a “nuclear pistol” to the temple of the West over Ukraine.

President Putin wasn’t so extreme in his language.

But he is no dove.

The Kremlin leader said he did not rule out changes to Russia’s nuclear doctrine: the document which sets out the conditions under which Russia would use nuclear weapons.

“This doctrine is a living tool and we are carefully watching what is happening in the world around us and do not exclude making changes to this doctrine. This is also related to the testing of nuclear weapons.”

And he delivered a warning to those European countries who’ve been supporting Ukraine: Russia’s has “many more [tactical nuclear weapons] than there are on the European continent, even if the United States brings theirs over.”

“Europe does not have a developed [early warning system],” he added. “In this sense they are more or less defenceless.”

Tactical nuclear weapons are smaller warheads designed to destroy targets without widespread radioactive fallout.

This has been a surreal week in St Petersburg. On the one hand, a huge international economic forum has been taking place, sending the message that Russia is ready for cooperation and that, despite everything, it’s business as usual.

Clearly, though, it is not business as usual. Russia is waging war in Ukraine, a war which is now in its third year; as a result, Russia is the most heavily sanctioned country in the world.

And, right now, tensions are soaring between Russia and the West.

Earlier this week, at a meeting with international news agency chiefs in St Petersburg, President Putin suggested that Russia might supply advanced conventional long-range weapons to others to strike Western targets.

This was his response to Nato allies allowing Ukraine to strike Russian territory with Western-supplied weapons.

He repeated the idea again today.

“We are not supplying those weapons yet, but we reserve the right to do so to those states or legal entities which are under certain pressure, including military pressure, from the countries that supply weapons to Ukraine and encourage their use on Russian territory.”

There were no details. No names.

So, to which parts of the world might Russia deploy its missiles?

“Wherever we think it is necessary, we’re definitely going to put them. As President Putin made clear, we’ll investigate this question,” Vladimir Solovyov, one of Russian state TV’s most prominent hosts, tells me.

“If you are trying to harm us you have to be pretty sure we have enough opportunities and chances to harm you.”

“In the West some will say we’ve heard this sabre-rattling before,” I respond, “and that it’s a bluff.”

“It’s always a bluff. Until the time when it is not,” Mr Solovyov replies. “You can keep thinking that Russia is bluffing and then, one day, there is no more Great Britain to laugh at. Don’t you ever try to push the Russian bear thinking that ‘Oh, it’s a kitten, we can play with it.”

CEOs from Europe and America used to flock to the St Petersburg International Economic Forum. Not any more. Instead I saw delegations from Asia, Africa, the Middle East and South America. Russia has been using this year’s event to try to show that, despite Western sanctions, there are plenty of countries in the world who are ready to do business with Russia.

And what have we learnt in St Petersburg about Vladimir Putin?

That he sounds increasingly confident and determined not to back down. He seems to believe that in the current standoff between Russia and the West, it is the West that will blink first.

View original: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn00e422yr2o

END

Sudan confirms agreements with Russia for naval base in Red Sea. Previous deal allowed Russia to keep up to four navy ships including nuclear powered ones (UPDATE 1)

DEPUTY Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), states in a recent interview last Saturday, that Gen Burhan, Commander-in-Chief of SAF, signed agreements with Russia for a naval base. Surely the Russians know that any agreements signed by Sudan are rarely honoured. Read more.

From Radio Dabanga English
Dated Wed, 29 May 2024 - here is a full copy, plus two related reports:

Sudan general confirms Red Sea base deal with Russia, strengthens ties with Iran

Chairman of Sudan's Transitional Sovereignty Council Lt Gen Abdelfattah El Burhan meets the Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov in Khartoum, February 9, 2023 (Sudan's Transitional Sovereignty Council)

Lt Gen Yasir El Atta, deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), states in a recent interview with Al Hadath News last Saturday, that Lt Gen Abdelfattah El Burhan, Commander-in-Chief of SAF, signed agreements with Russia for a naval base. El Atta apologised to the Sudanese people for military delays in Khartoum. Sudan and Iran are also strengthening bilateral cooperation following resumed diplomatic relations.

El Atta says that El Burhan will sign agreements with Russia soon. He states that Russia asked for a “supply point” on the Red Sea in exchange for supplying SAF with weapons and ammunition. “It is not a shame to give a military base to any country on the Red Sea with which we have brought together economic partnerships.”

In the same interview, for the first time, El Atta apologised to the Sudanese people, saying, “We apologise to the Sudanese people for any failure and we bear what is happening with all responsibility.”

Acknowledging the army’s delay in recovering a number of areas in Khartoum, “We were late in recovering Bahri and Khartoum for further preparation, but we are currently ready… We have 12 battalions of popular resistance made up of various backgrounds of the political spectrum,” in reference to SAF and its many militias under it. He mentioned that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) “wreaked havoc” in the areas left by the SAF. The SAF have been gaining victories in Omdurman since the start of the year, in part due to weapon and drone shipments from Iran.

Warm sea port 

The Russian government have been attempting to establish warm seaports globally and specifically the Red Sea. In February 2023, Sudan via El Burhan was ready to offer a Red Sea port to Russia in exchange for arms and other considerations. However, the war broke out in April between SAF and the RSF, putting the deal was put on hold indefinitely.

The previous 2021 deal, allowed Russia to keep up to four navy ships in the Red Sea, including nuclear powered ones. The agreement can be automatically extended for 10-year periods if none of the parties objected. Radio Dabanga cannot confirm whether these agreements still stand today.

Russian newspaper Pravda reports Russia may sign an agreement with the SAF for a weapons exchange to support a Russian logistics hub in Port Sudan on the Red Sea.

Growing geopolitical tensions 

Yesterday, the American magazine Newsweek warned the US of what it described as a new threat to its interests in the Red Sea, represented by Iran’s efforts to control the important waterway and the formation of a new ‘crescent’ that also threatens the interests of Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Israel. The article further states how Iran is seeking to take advantage of the ongoing civil war in order to expand its military presence. 

The article examines how El Burhan aimed to align Sudan more closely with the west and remained wary of the Iranian regime. However, due to a lack of western support, has turned to Tehran for the necessary security assistance to combat the RSF. Iran quickly offered military aid in exchange for establishing a naval base on Sudan’s Red Sea coast, which, alongside its Houthi proxy bases in Yemen, would grant Iran significant control over a crucial global waterway.

However, Iran has denied attempting to entice Sudan to allow it to establish a naval base on the strategic Red Sea coast, a day after Sudan’s foreign ministry issued a similar denial. According to the report, Sudan rejected Iran’s offer for fear of angering the USA and Israel. But it is not clear how long Khartoum will be able to withstand Iranian pressure.

Sudan and Iranian foreign diplomats

The Sudan News Agency reports how Sudanese ambassador Hussein Ali, Minister of Foreign Affairs-designate for Iran, met last Saturday, with Iranian acting FA Minister Ali Bagheri, in Tehran. Arriving to convey condolences on behalf of the Sudanese government on the death of Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi, FA Minister Hossein Abdul Lahian, and their peers in a helicopter crash last week. 

Bagheri expressed their deep thanks for the support and assistance they found following this painful event from the Sudanese leadership. The two sides held a session of talks on ways to launch cooperation between the two countries in various fields. This comes after the recent resumption of diplomatic relations between Sudan and Iran, the ambassadors seek to contribute pushing relations between the two countries at a rapid pace.

Rent prices skyrocket

As previously reported, residential property rents in Port Sudan have surged to unprecedented levels, according to reports previous Thursday. The soaring rental prices are attributed to the renewed Iranian diplomatic presence in the city. The Iranian embassy has rented 17 apartments in Port Sudan for its staff, driving up demand and costs. Iran has supplied the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) with Mohajer-6 drones, which experts believe have bolstered SAF operations in Omdurman.

Iranian ship Behshad, that allegedly serves as a 'spy ship' in the Red Sea for Iran's Revolutionary Guards (File photo: Akbar Tavakkoli / IRNA)

Iranian Navy destroyer Alborz, currently deployed in the Red Sea (Photo: Taznim news agency)

Original: https://www.dabangasudan.org/en/all-news/article/sudan-general-confirms-red-sea-base-deal-with-russia-strengthens-ties-with-iran

___________________________

Further Reading

From Sudan Watch - January 11, 2024:

The Maritime Executive - 09 December 2020

Russia Signs Deal With Sudan for Naval Base on the Red Sea - excerpt:

The agreement provides the Russian Navy with access to Port Sudan for a period of 25 years, with automatic renewal every decade thereafter. It may keep up to four naval vessels at a time at the port, including nuclear-powered vessels - an important consideration for Russia's submarine fleet. For logistics, Russian forces have permission to use Sudanese ports and airports to deliver any needed "weapons and equipment" to keep the port running. On-base manning is limited to 300 Russian personnel. 

In return, Russia will provide arms and training for Sudan's military, extending a role it already plays in the country. Last year, Russia and Sudan signed a seven-year agreement that provides the Sudanese government with military support, and Russian military advisors have participated in Sudanese public security operations. 

The Russian destroyer Vice Adm. Kulakov with a Russian fleet tug 

(file image courtesy Royal Navy)

Full story: https://maritime-executive.com/article/russia-signs-deal-with-sudan-for-naval-base-on-the-red-sea

___

The Maritime Executive - 13 December 2017

Russia Moves Forward with Syrian Naval Base - excerpt:

"For Russia, a naval base in Syria . . . is always a place where Russian navy men can take a short rest and hold quick repairs, if necessary. Taking into account that the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions are of strategic importance for world security, Russian forces should stay here indefinitely," said Mikhail Nenashev, chairman of the All-Russian Fleet Support Movement, speaking to Pravda.

The base at Tartus has been under Russian control since 1971, and Russia finalized a 74-year renewal agreement with Syria in January with a 49-year lease followed by a 25-year automatic extension. The enlarged facility will operate outside of Damascus' legal jurisdiction, and Syria will not interfere with any military activities related to its operation. Separately, Russia has also renewed its lease on a military airbase in Western Syria for a period of 50 years. 

The port of Tartus. The Russian base's berths are at the top center of the image (Digital Globe)

Full story: https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/russia-moves-forward-with-syrian-naval-base

Original: https://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2024/01/sudan-janjaweed-rsf-militia-chief.html

___________________________

UPDATE 1 by Sudan Watch Editor 

On Wednesday, 12 June 2024 at 16:02 GMT UK:

Report published at Sudan Tribune

Dated Wednesday, 12 June 2024. Here is a full copy:

Russia denies deal for Sudan naval base

Soveriegn Council Head Abdel Fattah al-Burhan shakes hand with the visiting Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov on April 29,2024

ST PETERSBURG, June 12 – Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Mikhail Bogdanov, confirmed today that talks are ongoing with Sudan regarding a potential Russian base on the Red Sea, but denied any concrete agreement has been reached.

“Communication continues, but there are no firm agreements at this time, even between the defence ministries, to my knowledge,” said Bogdanov, who is also the special presidential envoy for the Middle East and Africa.

In 2019, the two countries agreed to build a logistical centre in Port Sudan. However, following a regime change, the transitional government’s military and civilian components decided to delay ratification until after the general elections.

Recently, several pro-military Sudanese commentators urged General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the head of the ruling Sovereign Council, to finalize a deal with Russia regarding the naval base without imposing further conditions.

Additionally, Sudan’s Ambassador to Russia, Mohamed Siraj, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to establishing a Russian naval base on the Red Sea. In a June 1 interview with Sputnik, Siraj stated that a formal agreement for a logistical support centre has already been reached between the two nations.

Bogdanov expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflict in Sudan, emphasizing the urgent need for negotiations to end the bloodshed and prevent the country’s collapse.

“The situation threatens Sudan’s territorial integrity. We have consistently called for strengthening and unifying the country, and this can only be achieved through dialogue,” he said.

The diplomat affirmed Russia’s readiness to facilitate talks aimed at a swift resolution to the conflict, stating, “We support the Jeddah negotiations and Saudi Arabia’s mediation efforts, and are prepared to host meetings if requested.”

View original: https://sudantribune.com/article286891/

END

Iran determined to contribute to Sudan's independence, progress: interim president

NOTE from Sudan Watch Editor: Many wars in the world seem to be prophesied in the Bible. In ancient times Iran (still intent on destroying Israel) was called Persia. Sudan was called Kush. Going by my Bible studies, the world is getting close to the end times. Could be in 7 or 100 years time, only God knows. British leaders are referring to the current times as a "pre-war world". It seems to me the conflict in Sudan compared to the Israel-Hamas war and Russia-Ukraine war is similar as belligerents are intent on fighting with no end in sight. Those wars and their effect on the world are prophesied in the Bible. People need to have a close personal relationship with God and live every day like it's the last. Life is camping, Heaven is home.

Verse of the Day for Tuesday, May 28, 2024:

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Romans 10:9 King James Version (KJV)

________________________

Report from China View
Source Xinhua; Editor: huaxia
Dated Monday, 27 May 2024 - full copy:

Iran determined to contribute to Sudan's independence, progress: interim president

TEHRAN, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Interim President Mohammad Mokhber said on Sunday that his country would spare no effort to contribute to the Sudanese people's independence, advancement and peace.

He made the remarks in a meeting with Sudan's Acting Foreign Minister Hussein Awad Ali in Iran's capital Tehran, according to a statement published on the website of the Iranian president's office.

Mokhber highlighted the effective roles played by Iran's late President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in promoting the country's relations and cooperation with Muslim and like-minded states, stressing that the same approach would continue to be pursued as Iran's fundamental strategy.

The Sudanese foreign minister, for his part, extended condolences over the deaths of Raisi and his entourage in a helicopter crash last Sunday, saying the relations between his country and Iran had been formed based on Islamic and humanitarian principles as well as the friendship between the two peoples.

In October last year, Iran and Sudan announced the restoration of their diplomatic relations, which had been severed for seven years. Sudan cut ties with Iran in 2016 after Saudi Arabia ended its relations with Tehran in the same year.

Source: http://www.chinaview.cn/20240527/0500ffa0587a48aeb8b123b41de70564/c.html

END