Anatoly Bashkin, the director of the African department at the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated in an interview with that Ukraine and Western nations are employing blackmail as part of their strategy to counteract Russia‘s expanding influence in Africa.

Bashkin noted that officials from Kiev and Western countries have been engaging in targeted “political demarches” and a comprehensive “information campaign” aimed at undermining Russia’s initiatives to build stronger ties with African nations.

He remarked, “The collective West’s opposition to our foreign policy in Africa is a constant presence… They utilize all available methods, including outright blackmail against African leaders.”

Bashkin also mentioned that various attempts to isolate Russia, such as pressuring African leaders to avoid events hosted by Moscow—like the recent inaugural Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership—have not succeeded.

“The West exerted all possible pressure on African capitals to minimize attendance and ensure the event’s failure. However, despite these efforts, the forum attracted 54 official delegations from countries and regional integration organizations, including over 40 ministers,” Bashkin added.

Russia’s engagement with African nations has strengthened in recent years, coinciding with growing concerns from Western governments regarding their diminishing influence. France and its allies have criticized Russia for allegedly engaging in exploitative initiatives and disseminating misinformation across African countries, where they have faced military and diplomatic setbacks. In contrast, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—former French colonies that have cut defense ties with Paris—have embraced Russia as a strategic ally. These three West African nations have accused Ukraine of providing arms and training to rebels and jihadist groups responsible for terrorism in the Sahel, a claim that Kiev has denied.

South Africa has also preserved its close relationship with Russia, despite international calls to distance itself from Moscow due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. A faction of US lawmakers has urged the removal of Pretoria from the African Growth and Opportunity Act, which permits eligible sub-Saharan African countries to export goods to the US without tariffs.

During discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan in October, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa referred to Moscow as a “valued” ally and “friend.”

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has previously accused the US and its allies of advancing “neocolonial” agendas in Africa and beyond. President Putin has also committed to supporting African nations in enhancing their national and cultural sovereignty in every possible way.