“Russia intensified special operations and influence in Africa after expelling diplomats from Europe – EFIA report.”, — write: www.pravda.com.ua
Source: broadcaster ERR with reference to the 2026 annual report of the Estonian Foreign Intelligence Service (EFIA).
Details: The report notes that strengthening ties with Africa helps the Kremlin solve an “internal problem” with the employment of civil servants. Western governments have expelled hundreds of Russian diplomats and closed consulates over the past decade because of Moscow’s aggressive policies and espionage.
Advertising:
In addition to traditional military cooperation, Russia is increasing the promotion of “soft power” through education and culture.
“The Russian federal agency “Rosspyvorbotnitstvo”, which plays a key role in state influence operations, is increasing its activity in Africa, opening representative offices, in particular in Guinea and Burkina Faso. In addition, the Russian World Foundation, which promotes the Russian language abroad, has expanded its presence by opening new centers in Burundi and Uganda,” the report says.
Through these structures, the Kremlin spreads anti-Western narratives on the continent, calling Western influence “neo-colonial and paternalistic” and positioning Russia as “a champion of a true multipolar world order and a defender of sovereignty, offering cooperation based on equal partnership.”
EFIA pays special attention to the use of African students in the war against Ukraine. In 2025, about 35,000 students from Africa studied in Russian universities. According to the Estonian service, the Russian authorities are taking advantage of their difficult financial situation, effectively giving them a choice: deportation or signing a contract with the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation.
“Hundreds of citizens of Zambia, Tanzania, Guinea, Cameroon, Eritrea, Nigeria and other countries were sent to war in Ukraine,” the report says.
For more on how Russia has been building its presence on the continent over the years, listen to the new episode of the Damn Questions podcast: “How is the Russian Federation taking over Africa and sending Africans to war in Ukraine?”
What preceded:
- In recent years, European countries and the USA have expelled hundreds of Russian diplomats. A significant number of them were actually Russian intelligence officers (GRU and SZR) working under diplomatic cover.