Russia Counts 20 Friendly African States, but Just 8 Support Ukraine.

According to Слово і Діло — Інфографіка: With Russia's growing military and economic footprint in Africa, the continent's stance on the Ukraine war has become a key geopolitical indicator. This analysis details which countries align with Moscow and which support Kyiv, drawing on trade data and diplomatic engagements.

The Nature of Russia's African Alliances

This report examines how Russia projects influence in Africa through military and economic relationships, as well as the level of backing for Ukraine across the region. Moscow's engagement with the continent began during the Soviet era. Today, 20 African nations consider themselves friendly to Russia, a testament to decades of cooperation.

Arms Sales and Economic Collaboration

Algeria and Uganda are the largest buyers of Russian military equipment in Africa. Between 2020 and 2024, Russia accounted for 48% of Algeria's arms imports. However, Russian weapons deliveries to Algeria plummeted by 80% after the invasion of Ukraine, reflecting how the conflict has disrupted defense ties. Meanwhile, authoritarian regimes in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and the Central African Republic remain significant customers of Russian weaponry, highlighting Moscow's strategy of arming repressive governments.

In 2019, Russia and the Republic of the Congo signed a military cooperation agreement, signaling continued expansion of defense links. More recently, in 2025, Moscow threw its support behind a military junta in Madagascar, demonstrating its willingness to engage with unstable political actors.

South Africa serves as Russia's primary economic partner on the continent. At the same time, at least eight African countries have voiced support for Ukraine. This split underscores the region's diverse political alignments, which could influence the future trajectory of Russia-Africa relations.

An infographic from Slovo i Dilo maps which African countries maintain friendly ties with Russia, providing a granular view of the region's geopolitical connections.

Overall, Russia's relationships with African states are marked by shifting dynamics, shaped by both domestic and international pressures.

Africa remains a strategic priority for Moscow, which aims to strengthen its foothold through defense deals and economic cooperation. Yet the fact that some African nations support Ukraine shows that political loyalties are far from monolithic. These complexities will likely play a major role in determining the future of Russia-Africa partnerships, especially given global political realignments and internal conflicts within African countries.