The aggressor state Russia systematically uses UN mechanisms to expand its own propaganda network in Africa. This was reported by the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, according to UNN.
Details
In January 2026, Russia's Permanent Mission to UNESCO announced a voluntary contribution of $250,000 to the International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC).
The IPDC is the only multilateral forum in the UN system designed to mobilize the international community around media development issues.
The program supports media development in developing countries, countries in transition, and countries in or emerging from conflict.
The IPDC serves as a platform for generating ideas on current media policy issues and promotes a healthy environment for the development of a free and pluralistic press.
The official purpose of the contribution, however, did not reflect the Kremlin's true intentions. Formally, the funds were directed toward goals consistent with UNESCO's mandate: developing independent journalism, countering online violence, and increasing media literacy among the population.
In practice, funding within the IPDC framework provides the donor with leverage—specifically, the ability to shape project content and determine thematic priorities and ideological emphases.
As noted by the HUR, the aggressor state Russia used this tool for targeted influence on the African media environment—launching a campaign to impose favorable narratives.
Rinat Alyautdinov, Russia's Permanent Representative to UNESCO, publicly emphasized the "priority of Africa" in Kremlin programs.
During 2026–2027, the implementation of projects to form a pro-Russian information space is planned in Malawi, Mali, Ghana, Kenya, and Senegal.
In the broader context of the strategy to support loyal regimes, Moscow seeks to turn the IPDC program and similar initiatives into a tool for promoting necessary narratives and constructing an alternative, pro-Russian picture of the world, the HUR noted.