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In a significant legal development, two Russian men have been sentenced to substantial prison terms in Angola after being found guilty of terrorism and espionage. Lev Lakshtanov and Igor Ratchin were implicated in a purported plot to orchestrate a coup and instigate violent protests linked to escalating fuel prices in the southern African nation last year. Lakshtanov received an eight-year sentence, while Ratchin was handed an eleven-year term. Both men denied the allegations, insisting their presence in Angola was tied to cultural and business pursuits.
The Background of the Case
The charges against Lakshtanov and Ratchin stem from tumultuous events that unfolded between 28 and 30 July 2025, when a minibus taxi strike over soaring fuel prices spiralled into chaos. The unrest led to the tragic deaths of 22 individuals and the arrest of more than 1,600, according to official figures. Eyewitness accounts and reports from human rights organisations indicated that Angolan security forces employed live ammunition against protestors, a move the government later defended as a necessary response to maintain order.
Human Rights Watch has previously condemned the Angolan government for using excessive force against demonstrators, particularly during a peaceful protest on 12 July 2025, which was met with rubber bullets and tear gas.
Allegations of Political Interference
Angolan prosecutors asserted that Lakshtanov and Ratchin aimed to manipulate the impending presidential elections, potentially by financing the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), the country’s largest opposition party, or instigating a leadership change within the ruling Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA). The MPLA has held power since Angola gained independence from Portugal in 1975.
Crucially, the prosecution linked the accused to Africa Politology, a Russian disinformation network that reportedly evolved from the notorious Wagner mercenary group. Following the death of Wagner’s leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in 2023, Africa Politology was purportedly absorbed by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), a development that underscores the complex intersection of military and political interests in the region.
Angola’s Evolving International Relations
Historically, Angola’s ties with Russia date back to the Cold War era, during which the Soviet Union and Cuba supported the MPLA during its civil conflict from 1975 to 2002. In recent years, however, President João Lourenço has sought to strengthen relations with the United States and Europe, marking a shift in Angola’s diplomatic alignments since he took office in 2017.
Russia’s influence in Africa has been on the rise, with the Wagner group and its successor, Africa Corps, providing security assistance in various African nations, including the Central African Republic and Mali. Reports indicate that Russian military presence has also spread to countries like Equatorial Guinea, Libya, and Sudan, further highlighting the strategic interests at play.
Further Legal Proceedings
Alongside the Russian nationals, two Angolans were also subjected to legal proceedings. 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 appealed these outcomes, as well as the sentences imposed on Lakshtanov and Ratchin, who will remain in custody while their appeals are processed.
The situation has drawn attention not only within Angola but also from the Russian government, which has yet to publicly respond to the developments surrounding their nationals.
Why it Matters
The convictions of Lakshtanov and Ratchin illuminate the intricate dynamics of international relations, domestic unrest, and geopolitical strategies. As Angola navigates its historical ties with Russia while simultaneously fostering closer links with Western powers, the outcomes of these legal battles could have far-reaching implications for both Angolan politics and Russia’s ambitions in Africa. The case serves as a reminder of the delicate balance nations must maintain in an increasingly interconnected world, where local issues can quickly escalate into broader international concerns.
