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In a significant ruling, an Angolan court has convicted two Russian nationals, Lev Lakshtanov and Igor Ratchin, of terrorism and espionage, sentencing them to eight and eleven years in prison, respectively. The men were charged with conspiring to orchestrate a coup and inciting deadly protests over rising fuel prices that escalated into violence in July 2025. Both defendants have denied the accusations, asserting that their visit to Angola was purely for cultural and business purposes.
Background of the Charges
The tumult that led to the Russian men’s arrests can be traced back to a minibus taxi strike from July 28 to July 30, 2025, which resulted in widespread riots and looting. Official figures noted that 22 individuals lost their lives, and over 1,600 were apprehended during the unrest. This strike was initially a response to soaring fuel costs, but it quickly spiralled into chaos, prompting allegations that Angola’s security forces resorted to live ammunition against demonstrators. The government has defended its actions, claiming its response was a necessary and “progressive” use of force.
Human Rights Watch has previously condemned the Angolan authorities for employing excessive measures to disperse peaceful protesters, particularly during a demonstration on July 12, 2025, which also targeted fuel price hikes.
Allegations of Political Influence
Prosecutors in Angola alleged that Lakshtanov and Ratchin sought to manipulate the upcoming presidential elections by funding the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), the country’s largest opposition party. They were also accused of attempting to instigate a leadership change within the ruling Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), which has maintained control since the nation’s independence from Portugal in 1975.
Additionally, the court heard claims that the two Russians were connected to Africa Politology, a propaganda network linked to the Wagner Group. This network has since been absorbed by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) following the death of Wagner’s leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in 2023.
Historical Context of Angola-Russia Relations
Angola has a long-standing relationship with Russia, dating back to the Cold War era when the Soviet Union supported the MPLA during the country’s civil strife from 1975 to 2002. This historical alliance has seen a resurgence in recent years, particularly as Angola’s current president, João Lourenço, has sought to balance relations with both the United States and European powers while maintaining ties with Moscow.
Since 2017, the Wagner Group and its successor, Africa Corps, have extended their influence across various African nations, including aiding regimes in the Central African Republic and Mali. Russian military presence in Africa has become increasingly prominent, with deployments noted in countries such as Equatorial Guinea, Libya, and Sudan.
Local Legal Proceedings and Appeals
In addition to the Russian nationals, two Angolans were implicated in the case. Sports journalist Carlos Tomé received a suspended sentence of two years, while Francisco de Oliveira, the secretary-general of UNITA’s youth wing, was acquitted of all charges. Prosecutors are reportedly appealing these outcomes.
Both Lakshtanov and Ratchin have also filed appeals against their sentencing but will remain incarcerated during this process. The Russian embassy in Luanda has yet to comment publicly on the case.
Why it Matters
The convictions of Lakshtanov and Ratchin underscore the increasingly complex geopolitical landscape in Africa, where local unrest can draw in foreign actors with broader agendas. The case not only highlights Angola’s precarious balance between maintaining historical ties to Russia and fostering relations with Western powers but also raises critical questions about the implications of foreign influence in domestic politics. As the world watches, the outcome of the appeals could further illuminate the intricate dynamics of power, resistance, and international diplomacy in the region.
