In a significant legal development, two Russian men have been convicted by an Angolan court of terrorism and espionage. Lev Lakshtanov and Igor Ratchin were sentenced to eight and eleven years in prison, respectively, for their alleged involvement in planning a coup and instigating violent protests amid rising fuel prices in the southern African nation last year.
Charges and Sentencing
The convictions stem from an incident in late July 2025, when protests against escalating fuel prices erupted into chaos, resulting in the deaths of 22 individuals and the arrest of over 1,600, according to official reports. The Angolan authorities were accused of employing excessive force, including the use of live ammunition against the demonstrators. Human Rights Watch previously condemned the government’s actions during a separate peaceful protest on 12 July 2025, branding the response as unjustified.
Lakshtanov and Ratchin maintained their innocence throughout the proceedings, asserting that their presence in Angola was solely for cultural and business purposes. However, prosecutors alleged that the duo sought to manipulate the country’s political landscape ahead of the forthcoming presidential elections. They purportedly aimed to provide financial support to the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), the largest opposition party, and to instigate a leadership change within the ruling Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA).
Links to Russian Disinformation Networks
Further complicating matters, the court heard claims that the two men had connections to a Russian disinformation network known as Africa Politology, which has ties to the notorious Wagner Group. Following the death of Wagner’s leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in 2023, this network was reportedly absorbed by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), subsequently rebranded as Africa Corps. This organisation has been accused of extending Moscow’s influence across Africa, providing security and support to various regimes, including in the Central African Republic, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
Angola’s relationship with Russia has historically been strong, particularly during the Cold War, when the MPLA received backing from the Soviet Union and Cuba. Since President João Lourenço took office in 2017, however, Angola has sought to strengthen ties with Western nations, particularly the United States and Europe.
Political Context and Reactions
The recent convictions occur against a backdrop of increasing Russian involvement in Africa, particularly through the activities of the Wagner Group and its successors. The geopolitical landscape has shifted, with several African nations forging closer ties with Russia in recent years. For instance, Madagascar’s president has aligned with Moscow following a coup in October 2025, and Russian military presence has been noted in countries like Equatorial Guinea and Libya.
In addition to Lakshtanov and Ratchin, two Angolan nationals were also implicated in the case. Sports journalist Carlos Tomé received a two-year suspended sentence, while Francisco de Oliveira, the secretary-general of UNITA’s youth wing, was acquitted. Prosecutors have signalled their intention to appeal the sentences of both Angolans.
Ongoing Appeals and Diplomatic Silence
Following the verdicts, both Lakshtanov and Ratchin have lodged appeals against their sentences, but they will remain in custody during the appeal process. As of yet, the Russian embassy in Angola has not issued a statement regarding the case, leaving many questions unanswered about Moscow’s official stance on the matter.
Why it Matters
The sentencing of Lakshtanov and Ratchin highlights the intricate web of international relations, where allegations of espionage and terrorism intersect with local political tensions and foreign influence. As Angola navigates its complex historical ties with Russia while attempting to forge a more balanced diplomatic approach, the repercussions of this case could have significant implications for both domestic stability and broader geopolitical dynamics in Africa.
