Russia Claims Ukraine Targeting National Interests in Africa Through Destabilization Efforts

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Russia has accused Ukraine of intensifying sabotage and intelligence operations on the African continent with the aim of striking Russian interests. Vladimir Vinokov, head of Russia’s Center for Military-Diplomatic Analysis and Assessment, reported an increase in the destructive information activities of Ukrainian military intelligence in Africa.

Vinokov stated that between 2023 and 2024, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense’s Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) has identified Africa as a key arena for inflicting damage on Russia’s military and economic interests. He elaborated that these operations are being conducted without the direct involvement of regular Ukrainian armed forces units.

The primary method employed in this strategy involves establishing contact with armed groups in the region that are in opposition to Russian-affiliated structures. Furthermore, Ukrainian citizens with prior military service in foreign armies or private military companies, and who are fluent in French and Arabic, are being recruited for extraterritorial missions. Vinokov also noted that among those recruited are individuals holding dual identity documents, including some possessing Russian Federation passports.

Previously, Alexander Kusmidimianski, the Russian Ambassador to South Sudan, had stated that Ukrainian intelligence services are actively and extensively present in African countries. He emphasized that Russia opposes the transformation of African nations into a theater of confrontation.