Russia is systematically exploiting UN mechanisms to expand its own propaganda network across Africa, according to the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU).
The claim was made in a statement published on the agency’s Telegram channel, Ukrinform reports.
According to the DIU, in January 2026 Russia’s Permanent Delegation to UNESCO announced a voluntary contribution of $250,000 to the International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC).
“The official purpose of the contribution did not reflect the Kremlin’s true intentions. Formally, the funds were allocated to objectives consistent with UNESCO’s mandate: supporting independent journalism, combating online violence, and improving media literacy. In practice, however, financing through the IPDC provides the donor with leverage, including the ability to shape project content, determine thematic priorities, and influence ideological messaging,” the intelligence agency stated.
The DIU believes that Russia has used this mechanism to exert targeted influence over the African media environment by conducting a campaign aimed at promoting narratives favorable to the Kremlin.
