Kremlin Deploys Anti-Colonial Messaging to Expand Influence in Global South, Center Reports

Russia is exploiting anti-colonial sentiment to expand influence in Africa and the Global South, according to a report from Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD) of the National Security and Defense Council.

The CCD revealed that the Federation Council of the Russian Federation’s committee on international affairs has begun promoting the concept of compensation to African nations for “damage from colonialism.” Russian lawmakers are framing this as a matter of “tens of trillions of dollars” that would require “long-term systemic international work” to address.

“Despite the outright speculative and unrealistic nature of such initiatives, the Russians actively use such rhetoric, trying to play on the post-colonial traumas of African countries to promote their own influence there,” the CCD stated. “To do this, the Russians actively exploit international platforms, including the UN rostrum.”

Security analysts note this strategy represents a significant shift in Russia’s foreign policy approach as it seeks to rebuild its global influence following international isolation stemming from its invasion of Ukraine. The timing is particularly strategic as Western nations face increasing scrutiny about their colonial legacies across Africa and parts of Asia.

The CCD emphasized a stark contradiction in Russia’s positioning, pointing out that while Moscow presents itself as a champion against “neo-colonialism,” its actual objectives in Africa are fundamentally neo-colonial in nature. Russia’s primary goal, according to Ukrainian intelligence, is gaining access to African resources to fuel its own geopolitical ambitions.

This assessment aligns with observations from international policy experts who have noted Russia’s growing military presence in several African nations, including the Central African Republic, Mali, and Sudan. The Wagner Group, a Russian private military company with close ties to the Kremlin, has established operations across the continent, often securing mining rights and other resource concessions in exchange for security services.

Russia’s renewed focus on Africa comes at a time when Western influence on the continent faces challenges. China has already established itself as a dominant economic player across Africa through its Belt and Road Initiative, leaving Russia to leverage historical Soviet-era relationships and anti-Western sentiment as its primary points of entry.

The Ukrainian report also highlighted an interesting domestic development within Russia, noting that public support for the war against Ukraine has reached its lowest point since the full-scale invasion began. Only 25% of Russian citizens now believe it is necessary to continue hostilities against Ukraine, according to polling data cited by the CCD.

This declining domestic support may partially explain Russia’s intensified efforts to build international alliances and secure resources from regions less aligned with Western sanctions policies. The Kremlin has simultaneously ramped up propaganda efforts in countries like India, as noted in a related report from December 4.

International relations experts suggest this two-pronged approach—courting the Global South while adjusting domestic messaging—indicates Russia’s strategic adaptation to protracted conflict conditions. By positioning itself as an anti-colonial ally to developing nations, Moscow hopes to create new economic partnerships that can help mitigate the impact of Western sanctions.

African political analysts remain skeptical about Russia’s sincerity, pointing out that genuine anti-colonial solidarity would require consistency in respecting sovereignty—something at odds with Russia’s actions in Ukraine and previously in Georgia.

As this influence campaign continues, Western nations and international organizations face the challenge of addressing legitimate post-colonial grievances while countering Russia’s opportunistic exploitation of historical traumas for geopolitical gain.