The conflict, which erupted in April 2023, involves the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), both of which are battling for control amid a power struggle. The war has triggered one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with millions displaced and widespread hunger.

At a United Nations meeting, U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield directly accused Russia of playing both sides in the conflict to advance its geopolitical goals.

"Russia chose obstruction: standing alone as it voted to imperil civilians while funding both sides of the conflict – yes, that’s what I said: both sides," she told the UN Security Council.

The comments marked a significant escalation from the U.S.’s earlier position, which suggested that Moscow was manipulating the situation to further its own interests.

Thomas-Greenfield’s comments followed Russia’s veto in November of a UN Security Council resolution that called for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan and the delivery of humanitarian aid.

The other 14 members of the council voted in favour of the resolution, highlighting Russia’s isolation on the issue.

When asked for more details, a U.S. spokesperson elaborated, claiming that Russia’s involvement in Sudan’s gold trade played a key role in funding the warring factions.

"We believe Sudanese authorities’ gold mining cooperation with sanctioned Russian entities and individuals could prove inimical to Sudan’s long-term interests and the aspirations of the Sudanese people for an end to the war," the spokesperson said.

Washington condemned any form of material support to the fighters, whether through illicit trade or military assistance.

In response, Russia’s Deputy Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy rejected the U.S. claims, accusing America of hypocrisy.

"It’s obvious that in the Pax Americana which our American colleagues try to preserve at any price, relations with other countries are built only on their exploitation and criminal schemes aimed at U.S. enrichment," Polyanskiy said.

Russia’s UN Ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, had earlier dismissed similar accusations in December, labelling them "fabrications" and accusing Western nations of distorting the truth for political gain.

As the meeting concluded, Thomas-Greenfield, who is nearing the end of her tenure, expressed her emotional disappointment over the lack of meaningful action in Sudan.

"For all the disappointment that I couldn’t do more, that we – all of us – didn’t do more – I still remain hopeful," she said, adding that she was hopeful future UN representatives would continue their efforts to resolve the crisis.

Gen. Abdel Fattah Burhan (left), the head of Sudan's ruling military council, greets supporters near the capital Khartoum in 2019. Sudanese paramilitary commander Gen. Mohammed Dagalo, widely known as Hemedti, is shown on the right. The generals have been fighting for control of Sudan leaving millions displaced and thousands dead.