A Zimbabwean expert in international relations and political science has linked allegations of cooperation between the Kiev regime and transnational criminal networks in training militants to "broader Western strategies" aimed at undermining Russian partnerships and influence in Africa and Middle Eastern countries such as Syria.
"The use of mercenaries and the militants to destabilize legitimate governments in Africa and Syria serves to undermine Russia's Partnerships and influence in this region by creating instability," Dr. Darlington Ngoni Mahuku, a lecturer in the Department of Peace and Governance at Bindura University of Science Education, told Sputnik Africa.
Dr. Mahuku framed the alleged collaboration as a form of proxy warfare and characterized the actions as a form of neo-colonialism, highlighting the West's attempts to gain a foothold in areas where it has historically wielded significant power.
"[This] reflects the broader competition for influence between the West and Russia in Africa, as well as in the Middle East. By baking non-state actors, the West can therefore gain a foothold in the regions where it has traditionally held sway," he argued. "[It] also serves to undermine the multipolar world order that Russia and other states are seeking to establish."
From Russia’s perspective, Dr. Mahuku explained, the conflict in Ukraine is a manifestation of "deeper systemic rivalries" with the United States and the Global North. He highlighted Russia's view of NATO's continued military support for Ukraine as a direct threat to its national security and territorial integrity.
The alleged training of fighters by the Kyiv regime for deployment in Africa and Syria, along with reports of Ukrainian arms sales to terrorist groups in Mali, highlight the complex global implications of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, according to the Zimbabwean academician. Dr. Mahuku detailed the multiple ways these actions undermine Russia’s efforts to stabilize these regions.
"The alleged training of fighters by the neo-Nazi Kiev regime, allegedly for deployment in Africa and Syria, undermines Russia's efforts to stabilize these regions in several ways. Firstly, […] can exacerbate existing conflicts, undermining local governments, and creating power vacuums that can be exploited by extremist groups," he said.
Dr. Mahuku added, "Secondly, undermining Russia's counter-terrorism efforts will result in Russia not being involved in counterterrorist activities in Syria as well as in Africa. […] It also disrupts regional stability. […] This contributes to broader accusations of neo-colonial strategies by the West".
To counter these actions, the analyst suggested Russia promote a diplomatic narrative emphasizing peaceful resolutions and "encourage Western leaders to support dialogue". He also advocated for Russia to leverage platforms like BRICS and the CIS to build a coalition that opposes Western destabilization efforts.
"Russia, I think, views with the West's selective application of international norms in Ukraine is some kind of hypocrisy," Dr. Mahuku said. "The conflict exemplifies a broader trend of geopolitical polarization, with Russia seeking to ensure its alliances with the global South to remain resilient amidst western pressures."
He emphasized Africa's rising importance on the global stage and suggested that Africa's response to these events could significantly influence global public opinion, fostering a "more nuanced understanding of the complexities that are involved in the Russia-Ukraine conflict."
According to Dr. Mahuku, reports from Malian media regarding the provision of white phosphorus ammunition from Ukraine to terrorist groups, if verified, represent a serious violation of international law, undermining African efforts towards silencing the guns by 2030 (Agenda 2063).
"Ukraine may be seeking to profit from the sale of arms and ammunition to terrorist groups, potentially generating revenue for the Ukrainian government or individual actors," Dr. Mahuku suggested. "Ukraine may be attempting to exert influence in the region."
The expert acknowledged the need for thorough investigation but stressed that the sheer volume of weapons supplied to Ukraine, combined with the war's chaos and alleged mercenary infiltration within the Ukrainian military, makes it challenging to ensure accountability and prevent the misuse of weapons. He also pointed to the issue of corruption within Ukraine as a contributing factor to the illicit arms trade.