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In a significant ruling that underscores the fraught political landscape in Angola, two Russian men have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms for their alleged involvement in terrorism and espionage. Lev Lakshtanov and Igor Ratchin received sentences of eight and eleven years, respectively, after being convicted of plotting a coup and inciting violent protests over rising fuel prices in the southern African nation last year.
Convictions Linked to Civil Unrest
The convictions emerged from a tumultuous period in July 2025, when widespread protests erupted in response to soaring fuel costs, resulting in a violent backlash that left 22 individuals dead and over 1,600 detained. The Angolan government’s response was heavily scrutinised, with human rights organisations alleging that security forces used excessive force, including live ammunition, against demonstrators. These events laid the groundwork for the prosecution’s arguments against Lakshtanov and Ratchin, who maintained that their presence in Angola was purely for cultural and business purposes.
During the court proceedings, prosecutors claimed that the duo aimed to destabilise the Angolan government, potentially seeking to influence the forthcoming presidential elections by providing financial support to the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), the country’s primary opposition party. Furthermore, they were accused of attempting to instigate a leadership change within the ruling Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), which has held power since the country’s independence from Portugal in 1975.
Connections to Russian Disinformation Networks
The prosecution’s case was bolstered by allegations linking the defendants to Africa Politology, a Russian propaganda organisation that has connections to the notorious Wagner Group. Following the death of Wagner’s leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in 2023, Africa Politology was reportedly assimilated into the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), further complicating the geopolitical implications of this case.
This nexus of political intrigue comes against the backdrop of Angola’s historical ties with Russia, which date back to the Cold War era when the Soviet Union supported the MPLA during the nation’s civil conflict. However, since President João Lourenço took office in 2017, Angola has sought to strengthen its relations with the United States and European nations, indicating a shift in its diplomatic alignments.
Broader Implications of Russian Involvement
The sentencing of Lakshtanov and Ratchin reflects a broader pattern of Russian engagement across Africa, where the Kremlin has been expanding its influence through military and political means. The Wagner Group’s activities in countries such as the Central African Republic and Mali highlight a growing reliance on Russian security forces among various regimes. Additionally, Angola’s complex historical relationship with Russia and its recent pivot towards the West raises questions about the future of foreign influence in the region.
In conjunction with the Russian nationals, two Angolan citizens faced charges as well. Sports journalist Carlos Tomé received a two-year suspended sentence, while Francisco de Oliveira, the UNITA youth wing’s secretary-general, was acquitted. Prosecutors have since appealed these decisions, indicating that the legal battles in this case may continue for some time.
Why it Matters
The case of Lakshtanov and Ratchin is emblematic of the intricate interplay between local unrest and international political machinations, illustrating how foreign actors can influence domestic stability. As Angola grapples with rising public discontent and economic challenges, the outcomes of such trials may have lasting repercussions on its governance and international relations. The increasing involvement of external powers like Russia could reshape the political landscape in Angola, potentially igniting further tensions amidst a backdrop of civil unrest and human rights concerns.
