US–Russia flashpoint looms over Putin's plans for Sudan naval base
The United States has urged all countries, including Sudan, to refrain from cooperating with Russia’s defense sector. The warning comes amid reports that Moscow plans to establish a naval base in Port Sudan. The State Department said such agreements could have “serious consequences,” including sanctions against individuals or entities involved.
Russia is seeking a foothold on the Red Sea, close to U.S. and Chinese military bases in Djibouti. The Sudanese facility could replace Russia’s base in Tartus, Syria, which Moscow may lose due to political changes in the country. Experts say Port Sudan may become a logistics hub for Russian weapons and influence in the region. The U.S. warns that this cooperation would isolate Sudan and further destabilize the region.
Russia ratifies strategic partnership agreement with Iran
On 21 April Russia adopted a law ratifying a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement with Iran. The treaty provides for deeper military-technical cooperation, intelligence sharing and expanded cooperation in trade, energy (including oil, gas and peaceful nuclear energy), transport and financial infrastructure, with an emphasis on reducing dependence on third countries.
The agreement also includes provisions for mutual assistance in the event of attack and a commitment not to impose sanctions on each other. It will enter into force 30 days after ratification by Iran.
Siemens completes exit from Russia
German company Siemens Mobility has sold its stake in the Ural Locomotives joint venture for 2.1 billion rubles. The buyer is a little-known company called Otavit, registered in Moscow in 2024 with a charter capital of just 200,000 rubles.
Despite the sale, Siemens will lose 35% of the amount due to a mandatory "exit tax". Control of the company will remain with the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade until 2027.
Russian banks create settlement system with China to bypass SWIFT
Major Russian banks have launched the 'China Track' system to conduct transactions with China without using SWIFT or Western banks. The system operates through intermediaries in friendly jurisdictions, facilitates payment netting, and provides financial guarantees to reduce the risks of blockages and defaults.
EU has updated its arms export rules
The European Union has updated its rules on the export of military technology by adding the ESG language to the 2008 directive. From now on, export licences will not be granted to countries that violate international humanitarian law or commit gender-based violence, including violence against women and children.
Russia expands ruble settlements with Cuba
Novikom Bank, a subsidiary of Rostec, has signed agreements with Cuban banks to facilitate ruble-denominated transactions. The operations are available for both companies and individuals.
Over the past year, the volume of payments through Cuban banks has increased by 42%. Cooperation has been ongoing since 2016 and covers the tourism, transport and energy sectors.
Russian oil exports to India fully recover from sanctions
Russian oil shipments to India are approaching their highest level in two years, recovering from disruptions caused by US sanctions. Deliveries of Russian crude to India are expected to reach 2.15 million barrels per day in April, the highest monthly volume since May 2023, according to Kpler. This follows a sharp drop to a 14-month low in February.
Oil trade between Russia and India is returning to near normal levels as supply chains stabilise. Most cargoes go to Jamnagar, home to the world's largest oil refinery. Russia's Urals crude is being sold at "attractive discounts" compared to West African and Middle Eastern crude.
Turkish refiner Tupras resumes imports of Russian Urals oil
After a brief suspension in early 2025 due to US sanctions, Turkish oil refiner Tupras has resumed imports of Russian Urals crude. The decision was driven by pricing, as Urals oil fell to its lowest level since 2023, making it financially attractive despite the sanctions.
By the end of April 2025, Tupras is expected to receive at least two shipments of Urals crude, totalling 730,000 barrels. Since the beginning of 2022, Russian oil has accounted for 65% of Turkey's crude oil imports. In addition to Urals, Tupras also sources oil from Brazil, Nigeria, Libya and Norway.
More news is available in the Monitoring of the Russian Information Landscape by the Economic Security Council of Ukraine attached below.
