Russia is using Africa to finance its war against Ukraine

Russia continues to use African countries to bypass sanctions and finance its military campaign against Ukraine. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the Kremlin has actively expanded its influence in Africa, gaining access to valuable natural resources in exchange for support from local regimes. This allows Russia to avoid the consequences of international sanctions and strengthen its economy amidst isolation, as reported by Conservativehome.

One prominent example is the Central African Republic (CAR), where the Russian Wagner PMC provides military assistance to the country's president in exchange for access to diamond and gold mining. Through election manipulation, bribery, and intimidation, the mercenaries ensured the president's re-election and made him dependent on Moscow. According to sources, the president of CAR received 95% of the votes with a real turnout of only 10%.

Russian influence in Africa directly helps fund the war against Ukraine. From the beginning of the invasion until the end of 2023, Moscow earned over $2.5 billion from gold mining in CAR, Sudan, and Mali. These funds go toward supporting Russia’s military machine.

The economic value of Africa to the Kremlin will only grow. The continent holds about 30% of the world's mineral resources, which are crucial for the global economy. Russia is aiming to control these resources, increasing its influence amid weak governance and instability in the region.

Experts emphasize that poverty and lack of opportunities make many African countries vulnerable to Russian influence. This opens the door for Russian intelligence services and paramilitary groups that support local regimes, destabilize the situation, and ensure control over strategic resources.

According to Freedom House, the average score for political rights and civil liberties in African countries where Russia is most active is only 22 out of 100. In comparison, the UK score is 91, while in Syria under Bashar al-Assad, it is 1.

Experts note that to counter Russian influence globally, more attention must be paid to international development. Strengthening democratic institutions, fighting poverty, and creating jobs in African countries will significantly hinder Moscow's access to resources and its ability to exploit instability for its own interests.

The UK has already provided significant military support to Ukraine, but experts urge London to take more active steps in preventing Russian expansion in Africa. Investments in development and strengthening statehood will become an important part of the global strategy against Russia and will simultaneously reinforce the international rules-based order.