On 8 October, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a press conference that there is ‘growing evidence’ alleging security cooperation between Libya’s Government of National Unity (GNU) and Ukrainian militants, facilitated by British mediation. She claimed this includes supplying combat drones and training supervised by Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence [which belongs to the Ministry of Defence]. According to her, the cooperation extended to organizing and supporting destabilizing operations, described as ‘terrorist’, in Sahel countries including Niger. Zakharova framed these claims as part of Ukraine’s effort to extend military influence in Africa amid the war with Russia and said they raise questions about Libya’s role in sensitive Sahel security issues.
On 9 October, acting GNU Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Taher al-Baour, met with Russia’s ambassador to Libya, Aydar Aganin, to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional developments. Despite the allegations from the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman the day before, both sides appeared to maintain diplomatic engagement, with talks focusing on strengthening cooperation and reviewing international issues of mutual interest.
Also on 9 October, on the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov highlighted the historically friendly ties and past strategic and economic accords between Russia and Libya. However, he attributed Libya’s current trajectory to the 2011 NATO-led intervention, which he condemned as a violation of UN Security Council resolutions and a catalyst for enduring instability. He reiterated that Libya’s prolonged internal instability remains the primary obstacle to resuming full-scale cooperation between Moscow and Tripoli. Despite the challenging environment, Lavrov emphasized that dialogue continues and that Russian companies are prepared to activate previously signed agreements once conditions allow.
The minister underscored Russia’s balanced engagement with all major Libyan factions, including the Libyan National Army (LNA) in the east and the GNU in Tripoli. He noted that the GNU has exceeded its original mandate but affirmed Moscow’s support for continued dialogue between Libya’s eastern and western blocs to reach a comprehensive national agreement. Lavrov said that Russia remains actively involved in international efforts to foster reconciliation and unity in Libya and expressed his hope that the country will eventually achieve peace, sovereignty, and stability.