In a significant legal development, two Russian citizens have been sentenced by an Angolan court for their involvement in alleged acts of terrorism and espionage. Lev Lakshtanov and Igor Ratchin received prison terms of eight and eleven years respectively, following their conviction for planning a coup and instigating violent protests related to fuel price escalations in Angola last year.
Background of the Case
The court’s ruling comes after a tumultuous period in Angola, marked by widespread unrest. In late July 2025, a minibus taxi strike, triggered by soaring fuel prices, spiralled into chaos, resulting in the deaths of 22 individuals and the arrest of over 1,600, as reported by official sources. The Angolan government faced criticism for its heavy-handed response, which included the use of live ammunition against protesters. Human Rights Watch condemned these actions, highlighting the excessive force employed during a peaceful demonstration earlier that month.
During their trial, Lakshtanov and Ratchin maintained that their presence in Angola was solely for cultural and business purposes. However, prosecutors contended that their intentions were far more nefarious. They alleged that the accused sought to influence the upcoming presidential elections by financially supporting the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), the country’s primary opposition party, or by orchestrating a shift in leadership within the ruling Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA).
Links to Russian Disinformation Networks
Further complicating the case are claims that the two men are connected to Africa Politology, a Russian disinformation entity with ties to the notorious Wagner Group. Following the demise of Wagner’s leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in 2023, Africa Politology was reportedly absorbed by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR). The Russian presence in Africa has been on the rise in recent years, with military support provided to various regimes across the continent, including the Central African Republic, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
Angola has historically maintained a close relationship with Russia, particularly during the Cold War era when the MPLA received backing from the Soviet Union and Cuba. However, under President João Lourenço, who has been in power since 2017, Angola has sought to strengthen ties with Western nations, including the United States and European countries. This shift has coincided with a broader Russian strategy to expand its influence in Africa.
Additional Sentencing and Appeals
Alongside Lakshtanov and Ratchin, two Angolan nationals were also implicated in this case. Carlos Tomé, a sports journalist, received a suspended sentence of two years, while Francisco de Oliveira, the secretary-general of UNITA’s youth wing, was acquitted. Prosecutors have lodged appeals against these verdicts, as have the Russian defendants, who will remain incarcerated during the appeals process.
As of now, the Russian embassy in Angola has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding the case.
Why it Matters
The sentencing of Lakshtanov and Ratchin underscores a growing trend of geopolitical tensions manifesting within African nations, where local unrest can be exacerbated by foreign influences. The situation in Angola highlights the complexities of international relations and the implications of external involvement in domestic affairs. As Russia continues to assert its presence in Africa, the consequences for local politics, security, and human rights will warrant close scrutiny, particularly as nations navigate the delicate balance of foreign alliances and internal stability.