"Haftar's Moscow Visit: Seeking Support and Recognition"

Renegade Libyan general Khalifa Haftar, who leads forces in eastern Libya, held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Haftar, who has close ties with Moscow and relies on Russian mercenary group Wagner for military support, discussed the situation in Libya and the wider region with Putin. This is their first meeting since 2019. Despite UN resolutions calling for the withdrawal of foreign military forces from Libya, hundreds of Wagner personnel remain stationed in the east under Haftar's control. Russia's interest in Africa has grown since facing sanctions and isolation due to its war on Ukraine.