Russia

The Russian mercenary Wagner Group has established a vast network in Africa to exploit natural resources by supporting authoritarian regimes in the Central African Republic, Sudan, and Mali. These mercenaries maintain operations through violence, political manipulation, and alliances with local elites.

Despite intense repression and fear of reprisals, Russian civilians initiated nearly 40,000 protest actions from 2022 to early 2025. Most of these focused on everyday issues like utilities, environmental protection, public transport, and education rather than politics. Novaya Gazeta Europe's analysis reveals that while broad anti-war demonstrations have largely been suppressed, grassroots mobilisation around practical concerns remains resilient.

Feminist activists in Kazakhstan face regular harassment. Disruptors intrude into meetings, while authorities make baseless arrests, particularly before March 8 events. Officials deny demonstration permits on fabricated grounds. Bagila Baltabaeva, head of the "Kazakhstan Parents' Union" and Feminita opponent, is frequently implicated. What is this "Parents' Union" and how does it connect to Russia?

Russian campaigns in West Africa use Hausa and other local languages to spread pro-Kremlin content across digital platforms. They deploy Pan-African imagery and anti-Western messaging to connect with regional audiences. Publications such as Damagaram Post circulate sensationalised stories praising Putin, while "Russian Houses" reinforce these narratives through cultural programmes and media training.

The Russian Orthodox Church is expanding its influence across Africa. These efforts serve as a soft-power strategy to promote Russian geopolitical interests by embedding the ROC within African communities culturally, linguistically, and spiritually.

Despite sanctions, European manufacturers still supply equipment to Russian clients. The Insider found nine cases of European industrial machinery being used in defense enterprises, including a Czech-owned machine tool factory in Yekaterinburg.

Following Putin's 2022 mobilisation decree, border crossings to Mongolia increased sevenfold, where refugees found safety and support. Several exiles recount experiences of fear and military pressure while expressing gratitude for Mongolia's hospitality, which allowed them to rebuild their lives with dignity. The publication by Factchek.mn is available in Mongolian.

After the start of the full-scale invasion, previously marginal "Z-patriots" quickly gained mainstream status, achieving reach comparable to major media outlets. Novaya Gazeta Europe analysed over 500 Telegram channels, creating a cartographic overview of the core Russian Z-network propaganda ecosystem.

One-fifth of 300,000 mobilised soldiers perished within just two months of service. These casualty figures, compiled from open sources, represent only a fraction of the tragedy's actual magnitude. Mobilised soldiers also suffer from poor training, lack of support, denial of leave requests, and severe criminal punishment for desertion.

The "Kolyma" project by V LESAKH (In the Forests) media examines the Kolyma region through podcasts and articles, focusing on GULAG history and contemporary culture. Through interviews with locals, Indigenous peoples, and cultural figures, it explores how historical trauma and harsh climate shape regional identity and future aspirations.