In 2019, the Russia-Africa Summit heralded Russia’s renewed strategic interest in the continent, inviting African countries to rethink the global power dynamic. This discussion looks at:

  • the key factors that define the Russia–Ukraine crisis. They go beyond the first Russian military intervention in 2014, when paramilitary forces were deployed in the East of Ukraine and Crimea was annexed. This includes the new hybrid threats such as disinformation, cyberattacks, and energy diplomacy.
  • the immediate reasons for the escalation between Russia and the West; and
  • the possible implications these events might have for African countries, especially in light of the Russia-Africa Summit planned for November 2022.