A high-stakes drama has unfolded in an Angolan courtroom, culminating in the sentencing of two Russian nationals for audacious charges of terrorism and espionage. This week, Lev Lakshtanov and Igor Ratchin, now convicted as Russian Spies Angola, received sentences of eight and eleven years respectively, amidst accusations of orchestrating a coup and inciting deadly public demonstrations.
The Luanda court’s verdict concluded a contentious trial where both men vehemently denied the allegations, claiming their presence in the oil-rich southern African nation was purely for legitimate cultural and business engagements. However, prosecutors presented a damning case, asserting the duo harbored intentions to manipulate Angola’s upcoming presidential elections. This included allegedly funneling funds to UNITA, Angola’s primary opposition party, or instigating a leadership upheaval within the ruling MPLA, which has governed since independence in 1975.
The accusations against these individuals tie into a broader narrative of destabilization. Prosecutors specifically linked Lakshtanov and Ratchin to Africa Politology, a Russian disinformation and propaganda network. This entity, it’s widely believed, emerged from the notorious Wagner mercenary group, subsequently falling under the control of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) following the demise of Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin in 2023. Such revelations come via comprehensive investigative reports by various media outlets.
The Global Chessboard: Russian Spies Angola and Africa’s Shifting Alliances
The backdrop to this high-profile case involves last year’s tumultuous fuel price protests. From July 28-30, 2025, a minibus taxi strike tragically escalated into riots and widespread looting, resulting in 22 fatalities and over 1,600 arrests, according to official figures. While Angolan security forces faced scrutiny for allegedly using live ammunition, the government staunchly defended its “progressive” use of force as necessary. Human Rights Watch had previously voiced concerns over “excessive force” used by Angolan police during a peaceful protest just weeks earlier.
Angola’s historically intricate relationship with Russia dates back to the Cold War, when the Soviet Union supported the MPLA during the 1975-2002 civil war. Yet, President João Lourenço, since assuming office in 2017, has notably pivoted, fostering improved ties with both the United States and Europe. Despite this, Russia’s footprint across Africa has expanded considerably in the last decade. The Wagner group, and its successor Africa Corps, have cemented their presence, providing security for leaders in nations like the Central African Republic, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. Russian troops have also been reportedly deployed in Equatorial Guinea, Libya, and Sudan since 2023.
The sentencing of these Russian Spies Angola highlights the complex web of international influence and internal politics gripping African nations. While Lakshtanov and Ratchin await their appeals, the diplomatic implications of this judgment are undeniably significant. Two Angolan co-defendants, sports journalist Carlos Tomé and UNITA youth wing secretary-general Francisco de Oliveira, received a suspended sentence and an acquittal respectively, though prosecutors are appealing these outcomes. The Russian embassy in Angola has yet to comment on these extraordinary proceedings.
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