Two Russian nationals have been sentenced to prison in Angola after being convicted of terrorism and espionage over an alleged plot to destabilise the country and influence its political future. Lev Lakshtanov was sentenced to eight years in prison, while Igor Ratchin received an 11-year sentence after an Angolan court found them guilty of terrorism and spying. Both men denied the allegations, maintaining they had travelled to Angola for cultural and business purposes. Alleged Coup PlotProsecutors accused the pair of planning activities aimed at influencing Angola's presidential election next year. They alleged the men intended to fund the country's main opposition party, the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), or force a leadership change within the ruling Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), which has governed the country since independence from Portugal in 1975. The prosecution also alleged the two Russians helped organise demonstrations linked to a nationwide minibus taxi strike over fuel price increases between 28 and 30 July 2025. The protests escalated into widespread rioting and looting, leaving 22 people dead and resulting in more than 1,600 arrests, according to official figures. Angola's security forces faced accusations of using excessive force during the unrest, including firing live ammunition at protesters. The government defended its actions, saying its use of force had been "progressive" and justified. Earlier in July 2025, Human Rights Watch said security forces had used excessive force, including rubber bullets and tear gas, to disperse a peaceful protest against rising fuel prices. Alleged Russian LinksAngolan prosecutors further claimed Lakshtanov and Ratchin were connected to Africa Politology, a Russian disinformation and propaganda network that emerged from the Wagner mercenary group. According to an investigation by media organisations including Forbidden Stories, the network came under the control of Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) after Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin died in 2023. Wagner was subsequently rebranded as Africa Corps and incorporated into Russia's military structure. Russia has expanded its presence across Africa in recent years. Wagner, followed by Africa Corps, has supported governments in countries including the Central African Republic, Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso. Russian troops have also been deployed to Equatorial Guinea, Libya and Sudan since 2023, according to a US Congress report. Angola's Changing Foreign RelationsAngola has traditionally maintained close ties with Russia. During the country's 1975-2002 civil war, the Soviet Union and Cuba backed the MPLA, while the United States and apartheid-era South Africa supported rival groups, including UNITA. Since taking office in 2017, President João Lourenço has sought to strengthen relations with the United States and Europe while maintaining Angola's important oil-exporting economy. Elsewhere in Africa, Madagascar's President Michael Randrianirina has strengthened relations with Russia since taking power in a coup in October 2025. Russians now serve in his presidential guard, and a weekly television programme on Madagascar-Russia relations was launched earlier this month. Appeals Under WayTwo Angolan defendants were also tried in the case. Sports journalist Carlos Tomé received a suspended two-year prison sentence, while Francisco de Oliveira, secretary-general of UNITA's youth wing, was acquitted. Portuguese news agency Lusa reported that prosecutors have appealed both of those outcomes. Lakshtanov and Ratchin have also appealed against their convictions but will remain in custody while the appeal process continues. Join the discussion? 26 July 2026
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