Two Russian men have been jailed in Angola for terrorism and spying after an Angolan court found them guilty of plotting a coup and organizing deadly demonstrations. Lev Lakshtanov and Igor Ratchin were sentenced to eight and 11 years respectively, despite denying the charges and claiming they were in Angola for cultural and business activities. The case has drawn international attention to Russia’s influence in Africa and the legacy of the Wagner mercenary group.
Background: The July 2025 Protests and Violence
From 28 to 30 July 2025, a minibus taxi strike over fuel price hikes escalated into riots and looting across Angola. Official figures report 22 people killed and more than 1,600 arrested. Angola’s security forces faced accusations of firing live ammunition at protesters, though the government defended its use of force as “progressive.” Human Rights Watch had earlier condemned the use of rubber bullets and teargas against peaceful protests on 12 July 2025.
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Prosecution Case: Coup Plot and Election Interference
Angolan prosecutors alleged that Lakshtanov and Ratchin aimed to influence the 2026 presidential elections. Their plans included funding the main opposition party, UNITA, or forcing a leadership change within the ruling MPLA. The men were also linked to Africa Politology, a Russian disinformation network that emerged from the Wagner mercenary group. After Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin’s death in 2023, Africa Politology was reportedly taken over by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR). Wagner itself was rebranded as Africa Corps and absorbed into Russia’s military.
Comparison: Russia’s Influence in Angola Then and Now
| Historical Context (Cold War) | Current Situation (2025) |
|---|---|
| USSR and Cuba supported MPLA during 1975-2002 civil war | Russia uses mercenary networks and digital propaganda |
| US and apartheid South Africa backed UNITA | Russia targets Angolan elections via covert funding |
| Ideological proxy war | Economic and geopolitical leverage over oil exports |
Key Takeaways
- Two Russian nationals convicted of terrorism and spying for planning a coup in Angola.
- The men were linked to Africa Politology, a Wagner-era disinformation network now controlled by Russian intelligence.
- Angola’s oil-dependent economy makes it a strategic target for Russian influence operations.
- The sentences reflect growing pushback against foreign interference in African nations.
FAQ
What were the charges against the Russian men in Angola?
Lev Lakshtanov and Igor Ratchin were found guilty of terrorism and spying for allegedly plotting a coup and financing the opposition UNITA party. They were sentenced to 8 and 11 years in prison.
What is the connection to the Wagner Group and Russia?
The men were linked to Africa Politology, a propaganda network that emerged from the Wagner mercenary group. After Prigozhin’s death, the network was absorbed by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) and later rebranded as Africa Corps.
How did the July 2025 protests relate to the case?
The protests, sparked by fuel price hikes, turned deadly with 22 killed. Prosecutors claimed the Russian men helped organize the demonstrations to destabilize the government ahead of the 2026 elections.
Why is Angola strategically important to Russia?
Angola is one of Africa’s largest oil exporters. Russia seeks to maintain influence over its energy resources and political alignment, continuing Cold War-era patronage through new covert methods.
This case highlights the ongoing struggle for influence in Africa, where Russia uses a mix of mercenary forces, online propaganda, and covert political funding. The verdict in Angola signals a growing willingness by African governments to challenge foreign interference, even from historical allies.
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