Two Russian men have been handed lengthy prison sentences by an Angolan court after being convicted on serious charges of terrorism and espionage. Lev Lakshtanov, aged 36, and Igor Ratchin, 42, were accused of conspiring to overthrow the Angolan government and inciting violent protests against soaring fuel prices. The court’s decision, delivered on 23 July 2026, raises significant concerns over foreign interference in Angola’s political landscape and highlights the tense socio-economic climate that triggered civil unrest last year.
Convictions Amid Political Unrest
The court sentenced Lakshtanov to eight years, while Ratchin received an 11-year term. Both men consistently denied the allegations, asserting that their presence in Angola was strictly for cultural and business pursuits. Their trial came in the wake of violent demonstrations in July 2025, which erupted following a taxi strike over fuel price hikes. The protests spiralled into chaos, resulting in 22 fatalities and over 1,600 arrests, with security forces accused of using live ammunition against demonstrators.
Human Rights Watch condemned the Angolan government’s response to the unrest, characterising it as an instance of excessive force, particularly during a peaceful protest on 12 July 2025, where security personnel deployed rubber bullets and tear gas.
Allegations of a Coup
Angolan prosecutors allege that Lakshtanov and Ratchin aimed to destabilise the country ahead of the 2026 presidential elections. They purportedly sought to influence the political landscape by financially supporting the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), the country’s largest opposition group, or by instigating a leadership change within the ruling Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA). This party has maintained a firm grip on power since the country gained independence from Portugal in 1975.
The prosecution further contended that the two men were linked to Africa Politology, a Russian propaganda network that emerged from the notorious Wagner Group. Following the death of Wagner’s leader Yevgeny Prigozhin in 2023, the network was reportedly absorbed by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service, a move that underscores the Kremlin’s continuing quest for influence across Africa.
Historical Context and Current Dynamics
Angola’s relationship with Russia has deep historical roots, dating back to the Cold War when the Soviet Union supported the MPLA during the civil conflict that raged from 1975 to 2002. However, since João Lourenço became president in 2017, Angola has sought to strengthen ties with Western nations, particularly the United States and European countries.
In recent years, Russia has strategically expanded its foothold across Africa, with elements of the Wagner Group deployed in various states, including the Central African Republic, Mali, and more recently, Equatorial Guinea and Libya. This growing presence has raised alarm bells regarding the potential for increased instability in the region. The recent coup in Madagascar, where ties with Russia have been bolstered, serves as a further indication of the Kremlin’s ambitions on the continent.
Local Implications
In addition to the Russians, two Angolan nationals were also implicated in the trial. Sports journalist Carlos Tomé received a suspended two-year prison sentence, while Francisco de Oliveira, the youth wing secretary of UNITA, was acquitted. Prosecutors have signalled their intention to appeal these sentences, further complicating an already tangled legal landscape.
Both Lakshtanov and Ratchin have also lodged appeals against their convictions but will remain incarcerated while these proceedings unfold. The Russian embassy in Angola has yet to comment publicly on the matter, leaving many questions unanswered about Moscow’s stance on the sentencing of its citizens.
Why it Matters
This case is pivotal not only for the individuals involved but also for Angola’s political stability and its relationships with foreign powers. The convictions of Lakshtanov and Ratchin could signal a hardening of the Angolan government’s stance against perceived threats from external actors, particularly as it navigates a complex socio-political environment marked by dissent and economic challenges. As foreign influence in Africa becomes increasingly pronounced, the repercussions of this trial could reverberate through both domestic and international arenas, shaping Angola’s future interactions with Russia and the West alike.