Russian Neocolonialism: How Africa Funds the War in Ukraine
Simon Whistler · October 6, 2025 · 28 min video · Africa
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From the transcript
In February 2024, Russian forces and the Malian allies seized control of an artisanal gold mine in northern Mali called Interhaka. Within months, that gold was flowing through Dubai's markets, refined into standard bars with fresh certificates converted into the hard currency Moscow desperately needs.
Since 2022, an estimated $2.5 billion in African gold has flowed through this pipeline into Russian coffers.
These are not loans or trade deals. This is blood gold, extracted at gunpoint for some of the world's poorest communities.
This transcript was generated automatically and may contain errors.
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About this briefing
Russia’s war machine runs on African gold. From Mali’s mines to Dubai’s markets, billions in blood gold fund drones and shells for Ukraine. Discover how Moscow turned exploitation into empire.
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