A central court in Luanda handed down sentences to Lev Lakshtanov and Igor Ratchin after finding them guilty of espionage and terrorism. Their trial included multiple days of testimony and accusations of involvement in political chaos and interference from abroad.
Links to protests and political interference
Angolan prosecutors argued that Lakshtanov and Ratchin contributed to violent riots during a July 2025 taxi strike, where 22 people died. They were charged with trying to affect the 2026 presidential elections by funding the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) or by disrupting the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), the ruling party.
The two Russians rejected the accusations, saying they had visited Angola for cultural and business reasons. However, prosecutors connected them to Africa Politology, a Russian disinformation network associated with the Wagner mercenary group and now controlled by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service. After Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin died in 2023, the group transitioned into state-run operations.
Changing international alliances
Angola, which has deep historical ties with Russia, has traditionally leaned toward Moscow. During the Cold War, the USSR and Cuba supported the MPLA, while the US and apartheid South Africa backed groups like UNITA. President João Lourenço, in office since 2017, has pushed to build stronger relationships with Western powers, moving away from alliances with Russian-backed African governments.
Despite this, Russia continues to grow its influence in Africa using Africa Corps, Wagner’s successor. The group supports military regimes in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. In 2025, Madagascar’s new leader deepened Russian connections, including employing Russian guards and launching TV programs on the two nations’ ties.
Additional Angolans and appeals filed
Carlos Tomé, a sports journalist, and Francisco de Oliveira, a youth wing secretary for UNITA, were also tried in the case. Tomé got a two-year suspended sentence, while de Oliveira was found not guilty. The prosecution has filed appeals for both verdicts.
Lakshtanov and Ratchin are also challenging their convictions, but they will stay in prison until the appeals are reviewed. So far, Russia’s embassy in Angola has not responded to requests for an official statement.