When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, it anticipated a swift victory. Instead, Kyiv not only defended its territory but also expanded the conflict beyond its borders, striking Russian interests across the globe. This global campaign has extended into regions like Africa and the Middle East, where Ukrainian forces are targeting Russian assets to weaken Moscow’s economic power and geopolitical influence.
**Targeting Russian Assets Worldwide**
Ukraine has expanded its operations to the Middle East. A leaked US intelligence document revealed that, in early 2023, Ukrainian forces planned to strike Russian forces in Syria with the help of clandestine Kurdish operatives. The goal was to force Russia to divert military resources to Syria, thereby weakening its presence in Ukraine. Ukrainian officers reportedly even explored the possibility of training the Syrian Democratic Forces to conduct drone strikes against Russian targets.
These efforts are led by Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense’s Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR). His agency operates independently from Ukraine’s domestic intelligence, similar to the division between the FBI and CIA, and has successfully executed numerous drone strikes inside Russia. In March 2024, Budanov affirmed Ukraine’s commitment to confront Russian mercenaries in Africa, stating, “We conduct operations aimed at reducing Russian military potential wherever it’s possible. Why should Africa be an exception?”
**Ukraine’s Reach in Africa**
In Africa, Russia has been exploiting resources to evade Western sanctions, particularly in Sudan, where it has forged a military partnership with the government. This alliance has allowed Moscow to divert billions in gold, denying Sudanese citizens valuable revenue. In 2021, Russia supported a military coup in Sudan, undermining a nascent democracy and consolidating its access to Sudanese resources, including gold, which is critical for funding its operations in Ukraine.
In response, Kyiv ramped up its efforts to push back against Russian influence. In August 2023, former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba pledged to “free Africa from Russia’s grip” as part of a diplomatic counteroffensive. A month later, Ukrainian special forces targeted Russian-backed forces in Sudan, launching drone strikes against Russian mercenaries in the country. Sergey Sukhankin, a senior fellow at the Jamestown Foundation, suggested that an agreement between Ukraine and Western allies likely provided military support for these operations against Russia in Africa.
Beyond combat operations, Ukrainian troops have been training Sudanese forces in tactics proven effective in Ukraine, including the use of first-person view drones. This approach has allowed Ukraine to chip away at Moscow’s influence in Africa while highlighting its vulnerabilities beyond Ukraine.
**Shifting Perceptions and Resources**
Ukraine’s strikes in Africa have not only undermined Russian operations on the continent but also altered global perceptions of Russia. In war-torn Afghanistan, for instance, Russia is now seen as a dangerous place that is regularly struck by drones. By targeting Russian assets in Africa and the Middle East, Ukraine is forcing Russia to allocate resources to defend its global interests, stretching its military capabilities and reducing its focus on Ukraine itself.
Furthermore, Ukraine’s operations in Syria and Sudan have strategic implications. In Syria, Ukrainian strikes against Russian forces, including mercenaries near the Golan Heights, have potentially disrupted Russia’s intelligence-gathering operations in the region. With Russia’s resources diverted to these fronts, Ukraine aims to limit Moscow’s ability to project power in these areas.
**The Impact in Mali and Beyond**
Ukraine’s operations have not been limited to drone strikes and military training. In Mali, for example, Ukrainian intelligence and training played a crucial role in providing information that enabled local insurgents to ambush Russian Wagner mercenaries, resulting in the deaths of 84 Russian fighters in July 2024. This operation was a significant blow to Russia’s presence in Africa and exemplifies Ukraine’s growing influence in regions where Moscow previously held strong sway.
This success prompted an immediate response from Moscow, with Russian officials accusing Ukraine of opening a “second front” in Africa. Ukrainian intelligence spokesperson Andriy Yusov confirmed their role, stating that the insurgents had received “the necessary information” to carry out the operation. Although the Ukrainian government has denied direct military involvement, the event highlights the strategic value of such operations.
**Ukraine’s Global Strategy**
Ukraine’s expanding global campaign against Russia aims to weaken Russian influence and spread its resources thin. From targeting Russian mercenaries in Africa to disrupting operations in the Middle East, Kyiv is reshaping the battlefield and forcing Russia to fight on multiple fronts. These actions do not just chip away at Russia’s power; they also provide Ukraine with crucial military and diplomatic leverage in its fight for sovereignty.
David Kirichenko is an Associate Research Fellow at the Henry Jackson Society, a London-based think tank. He can be found on the social media platform X @DVKirichenko. The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of
