Vladimir Putin is reportedly hammering out a deal with Libya’s eastern military commander Khalifa Haftar that could see Russia expanding its military presence to that area of the African country.
It is feared the plan could lead to Moscow having a significant foothold on southern Europe’s doorsteps in the form of a military base.
A similar scenario is being taken “very seriously” by the administration in Washington, according to former US special envoy to Libya Jonathan Winer.
He told Bloomberg: “Keeping Russia out of the Mediterranean has been a key strategic objective — if Russia gets ports there, that gives it the ability to spy on all of the European Union.”
Moscow has had a covert presence in the country, which is split into two rival administrations, thanks to a number of Wagner Group mercenaries who have been reportedly present on the territory since 2011, following the removal of Muammar Qaddafi.
As part of this rumoured deal between the Russian president and the Libyan leader, the bases currently occupied by Wagner would be upgraded to host Russian forces, the report claimed. In return, Mr Haftar is believed to be seeking air-defence systems to protect him against rival forces in western Libya, as well as training for his air force pilots.
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Emily Foster is a globe-trotting journalist based in the UK. Her articles offer readers a global perspective on international events, exploring complex geopolitical issues and providing a nuanced view of the world’s most pressing challenges.
