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Two Russian nationals have been sentenced to significant prison terms after being convicted by an Angolan court on charges of terrorism and espionage. Lev Lakshtanov and Igor Ratchin received sentences of eight and eleven years, respectively, stemming from allegations of their involvement in a plot to orchestrate a coup and incite violent protests against rising fuel prices in Angola last year.
Court Findings and Charges
The convictions arose from a series of events in late July 2025, when a minibus taxi strike over fuel price surges escalated into widespread riots that resulted in 22 fatalities and over 1,600 arrests. The Angolan government faced criticism for its heavy-handed response, which included the use of live ammunition against demonstrators. Human Rights Watch previously condemned the government’s actions for employing excessive force, especially during a peaceful protest on 12 July 2025.
Lakshtanov and Ratchin, who asserted their innocence and claimed to be in Angola for cultural and business reasons, were accused by Angolan prosecutors of attempting to sway the upcoming presidential elections by financing the largest opposition party, the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), or by attempting to instigate a change in leadership within the ruling Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA).
Links to Russian Disinformation Networks
Prosecutors also alleged that the defendants had ties to Africa Politology, a Russian disinformation and propaganda network linked to the Wagner mercenary group. Following the death of Wagner’s leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in 2023, Africa Politology was reportedly absorbed by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), rebranding itself as Africa Corps.
Angola’s historical ties to Russia, particularly during the Cold War, have evolved since João Lourenço assumed the presidency in 2017, with a shift towards improved relations with the United States and Europe. Nevertheless, Russia has bolstered its influence in Africa, with Wagner and its successor Africa Corps providing military support in various nations across the continent, including the Central African Republic and Mali.
Broader Implications and Reactions
In addition to the Russian nationals, two Angolan citizens 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. Appeals against these sentences have been filed by both the prosecutors and the defendants, with Lakshtanov and Ratchin remaining in custody during the appeal process.
The Russian embassy in Angola has yet to comment on the verdicts or the ongoing legal proceedings against its nationals.
Why it Matters
The convictions of Lakshtanov and Ratchin underscore the fragile political climate in Angola, where the intersection of economic instability and foreign influence can lead to severe repercussions. As Angola continues to grapple with its historical ties to Russia amid shifting alliances, this case highlights the complexities of geopolitics in Africa, particularly in the context of rising tensions and the potential for external actors to influence domestic affairs. The outcome of this situation may not only affect Angola’s internal politics but also its relationships with global powers navigating the increasingly competitive landscape of Africa.
