Luanda, Angola – Two Russians jailed in Angola have been sentenced to eight and eleven years respectively, after a court found them guilty of terrorism, espionage, and plotting to destabilize the government, as reported by The Guardian.
Lev Lakshtanov and Igor Ratchin received their sentences in a landmark case that has raised questions about the extent of foreign influence operations in Africa, particularly as Russia seeks to expand its strategic foothold on the continent. The prosecution presented evidence that the men were operating within the country to fund opposition movements and orchestrate civil unrest, specifically citing their connection to the violent taxi strike that rocked the capital, Luanda, in July 2025.
The verdict has raised questions about the extent of foreign influence operations in Africa, particularly as Russia seeks to expand its strategic foothold on the continent.
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The 2025 Protests and Security Concerns
The court case stems from events between July 28 and 30, 2025, when a strike over fuel price hikes spiraled into widespread rioting and looting. Official figures indicate 22 people lost their lives and over 1,600 were arrested during the chaos.
While Angolan security forces faced accusations of using excessive force—a claim denied by the government, which argued that a “progressive” use of force was necessary to restore order—the trial revealed a more sinister backdrop. Prosecutors alleged that the Russian duo aimed to capitalize on the economic discontent to trigger a regime change.
Angolan prosecutors argued that Lakshtanov and Ratchin intended to influence the 2027 elections, either by funding the main opposition party, UNITA, or by engineering a leadership crisis within the ruling MPLA, which has governed since independence from Portugal in 1975.
Ties to Russian Intelligence Networks
Further intensifying the case, prosecutors connected the two men to Africa Politology, a propaganda network that reportedly emerged from the remnants of the Wagner mercenary group. According to investigations, the network was absorbed by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) following the death of Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin in 2023.
This connection places the trial within the broader context of Russia’s “Africa Corps” operations, which are currently providing security in Sahel states like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
A Shift in Angola’s Foreign Policy
The sentencing marks a significant moment for Angola’s foreign policy trajectory. Historically, Luanda maintained deep ties with Moscow, dating back to the Soviet and Cuban support for the MPLA during the Cold War-era civil war. However, President João Lourenço has actively sought to diversify Angola’s international partnerships since taking office in 2017, improving relations with the United States and Europe.
The recent trial signals a firm stance against foreign interference, as Angola balances its historical alliances with its modern economic and strategic interests.
Russian Embassy Responds
The Russian embassy in Angola has yet to issue a public statement regarding the verdict. However, local reports indicate that the convicted men have filed appeals against their sentences. They will remain in detention while the judicial process continues.
Fate of the Angolan Co-Accused
In a related development, the court also tried two Angolans alongside the Russians. Sports journalist Carlos Tomé received a two-year suspended sentence, while Francisco de Oliveira, Secretary-General of UNITA’s youth wing, was acquitted due to lack of evidence. The public prosecutor has reportedly filed an appeal against these specific rulings.
— Contains reporting from Agence France-Presse and The Guardian.
