russian Media Expansion in Africa and Latin America: Tools of Influence and Threats to Ukraine and the Region

russia is launching large-scale disinformation operations covering Africa, Latin America and even European countries. This media expansion not only undermines Ukraine’s international reputation, but also creates potential threats to our security and foreign policy positions.

“African Initiative” As an Example of a Covert Operation

In Mali’s capital, Bamako, a project to train local journalists was launched under the guise of an independent news agency, “African Initiative”. The program included online and off-line  journalism courses with the promise of further employment. The project was curated by russian intelligence services. This is a typical example of so-called soft power, where the slogans of education actually lay the infrastructure for further information operations.

rt and sputnik: the Core of russian Propaganda Influence

russian state media outlets rt (formerly russia today) and sputnik remain the main instruments of information pressure. Both resources not only spread narratives favorable to the kremlin, but also have offices, training centers, and partnerships with local media on different continents.

In Latin America, rt and sputnik work closely with Telesur (Venezuela) and HispanTV (Iran), which allows russia to promote a single anti-Western line in several languages simultaneously. Besides, the rf shares offices, operators and technical resources with those partners, which creates an effective network of influence.

In Africa, russians are actively signing agreements with local TV channels. According to available information, more than 30 African TV stations broadcast russian content, which creates an information environment favorable to the kremlin across the continent.

Covert Promotion Through Local Media and Influencers

In addition to direct distribution of content, russia resorts to covert distribution through contracts with local media. For example, agreements with media groups in Kenya give russian agencies access to millions of listeners and readers in several African countries.

What This Means to  Ukraine

russia’s media presence in Africa and Latin America has direct implications for Ukraine. Firstly, it creates a global background in which moscow’s position appears “balanced” or even “truthful”.  Secondly, Ukrainian diplomacy faces resistance to narratives of the rf’s war and aggression, especially in regions where russian influence dominates.

Thirdly, massive information campaigns create the basis for russia’s military and technical cooperation with African regimes, which is already turning those territories into logistical and operational bases for indirect attacks on the interests of Ukraine’s partner states.