Russia’s African Influence Remains Strong Despite Prigozhin’s Death, Says Ukrainian Intelligence.

Russia’s Grip on Africa

According to Novyny.live: According to Andriy Chernyak, a representative of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (GUR), Moscow has not seen a meaningful decline in its influence across Africa, even after Yevgeny Prigozhin’s death and the collapse of the private military company (PMC) known as Wagner. Over the past three years, Russia has managed to hold onto its sway in the region. Despite Wagner’s battlefield losses in Ukraine and a failed mutiny inside Russia, the Kremlin’s leverage in Africa stays substantial.

Chernyak noted that remnants of the Wagner group have been reorganized into the so-called African Corps, which now fields between 8,000 and 10,000 fighters. This new force continues to back military juntas in various African nations.

“Despite these truly humiliating defeats, it is still too early to speak of Russia losing its foothold in Africa,” Chernyak stated.

Subversion and Mercenary Activity Continue

He further pointed out that Russia’s intelligence agencies—particularly the Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) and the Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR)—are actively carrying out subversive operations in Africa. These efforts show the Kremlin’s determination to preserve its influence on the continent, even amid internal turmoil and setbacks.

In a related development, two former Wagner PMC members were detained in Azerbaijan in July 2025, signaling that Russian mercenaries remain active across different regions. Additionally, in the fall of 2025, Kyrylo Budanov was questioned about Yevgeny Prigozhin’s death, highlighting ongoing intrigue surrounding the figure and his impact on Russia’s military strategy in Africa.

Russia’s continued presence in Africa is a key element of global geopolitics, as the continent often becomes a battleground for major powers competing over resources and strategic positions. By maintaining a military footprint through restructured entities like the African Corps, Moscow appears to be actively seeking new ways to sustain its African policy despite domestic challenges. This could also shape political dynamics in countries where Russia seeks to bolster its standing by propping up local regimes and juntas.