Russia’s relations with its Eastern European and Central Asia neighbors are currently low. Renewed imperialist ambitions in Ukraine and heightened militaristic rhetoric against nations they formerly ruled over have arisen in the Kremlin and the public, forcing their former spheres of influence to look elsewhere for geopolitical relations.

Likewise, in Africa, the scars of colonialism remain for most African nations, which is where Russia came in.

Using the “multipolar world” rhetoric to gain support for its imperial ambitions and illicit activities, Russia has gradually gotten a foothold in Africa. By hiding their true intentions in Africa while claiming they’re helping to “liberate” the continent, the Kremlin has successfully whitewashed their crimes by playing into the emotions of various African countries.