Two Russian nationals, Lev Lakshtanov and Igor Ratchin, have been convicted of terrorism and spying by an Angolan court, receiving prison sentences of eight and 11 years respectively. The men were accused of involvement in a plot to stage a coup and orchestrate violent demonstrations in Angola last year. Both defendants denied the charges, asserting they were in the country for cultural and business purposes.

The convictions stem from events in July 2025, when protests against fuel price increases escalated into riots, looting, and clashes with security forces. Official figures reported 22 deaths and over 1,600 arrests during the unrest. Angolan authorities stated that the security forces used "progressive" force, deeming it justified, while human rights organizations previously accused Angola of employing "excessive force" during earlier protests against rising fuel prices.

Angolan prosecutors alleged that Lakshtanov and Ratchin aimed to influence the upcoming presidential elections. Their alleged plans included funding Angola's primary opposition party, the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), or forcing a leadership change within the ruling Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), which has governed the nation since its independence from Portugal in 1975.

Further accusations by prosecutors linked the two men to Africa Politology, a Russian network described as involved in disinformation and propaganda, which reportedly originated from the Wagner mercenary group. Following the death of Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin in 2023, Africa Politology was allegedly taken over by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), according to media investigations. The Wagner group itself has since been rebranded as Africa Corps and absorbed into Russia's military structure.

The trial and sentencing of Lakshtanov and Ratchin highlight ongoing geopolitical tensions and concerns over foreign interference in African nations. Angola, a significant oil producer, has been governed by the MPLA since 1975, with UNITA serving as the main opposition.

The charges of terrorism and spying carry significant implications, suggesting a deeper level of alleged foreign involvement than typical business or cultural exchanges. The prosecution's claims about influencing elections and the alleged connection to Russian intelligence services paint a picture of complex clandestine operations.

Details of the alleged coup plot and the extent of the men's involvement remain central to the prosecution's case. The defense's assertion of cultural and business activities stands in direct opposition to the state's claims of espionage and destabilization efforts.

This case raises questions about the security landscape in Angola and the broader continent, particularly concerning the activities of individuals and groups linked to Russian intelligence and paramilitary organizations operating in Africa.