Saddam Haftar in Moscow as Russia expands Libya influence

Russia is continuing to strengthen its presence in Libya despite growing regional tensions and increasing competition with Western powers for influence in the North African country.

According to Agenzia Nova on 12 May, Saddam Haftar, son of eastern Libyan military commander Khalifa Haftar and one of the most influential figures within the Libyan National Army (LNA), travelled to Moscow for talks focused on military cooperation between Libya and Russia. The visit confirms the strategic relationship that has developed in recent years between eastern Libyan authorities and the Kremlin, particularly in the security and defense sectors.

Russia’s involvement in Libya has steadily expanded since the years following the fall of Muammar Gaddafi. Moscow has positioned itself as a key external actor by supporting eastern factions politically, militarily and economically, while also seeking greater access to strategic infrastructure, military bases and energy routes in the Mediterranean.

Libya has increasingly become part of a broader geopolitical contest involving Russia, Western countries and regional powers. Moscow’s strategy appears aimed not only at maintaining military influence but also at securing a long-term foothold in North Africa and along Europe’s southern flank.

One of the central aspects of Russian involvement has been military logistics and the transfer of equipment through Libyan territory. In January, reports emerged that a sanctioned Russian vessel had delivered military cargo to Libya, raising concerns among Western governments over possible violations of international sanctions and arms embargo.

However, Russia’s growing footprint in Libya is also exposing Moscow to new vulnerabilities. In April, Libya reportedly emerged as a launch point for attacks against Russian-linked cargo and tanker ships operating in the Mediterranean. Drones targeting vessels connected to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” may have originated from western Libyan territory.

Libya’s fragmented political and military landscape can rapidly transform the country into a battleground for wider international confrontations. It also underscored the growing risks tied to Russia’s extensive logistical presence in Libya, particularly at a time when Moscow is attempting to bypass Western sanctions and maintain strategic maritime routes.

At the same time, signs are emerging that Libyan actors are attempting to rebalance their international partnerships. In February, Libya reportedly began shifting part of its fuel imports from Russian suppliers toward Western companies. Analysts interpreted the move as both an economic calculation and a political signal aimed at improving relations with Europe and the United States.

This gradual repositioning reflects the broader ambiguity of Libya’s foreign policy environment. While eastern factions maintain close military ties with Moscow, Libyan authorities across the country continue to seek investment, diplomatic legitimacy and economic partnerships from Western governments.

For Russia, Libya remains strategically valuable for several reasons: access to the Mediterranean, influence over migration routes, military positioning in North Africa and proximity to Europe’s energy infrastructure.

As Libya remains divided between rival political and military centers, foreign powers continue to view the country not only as a source of energy and strategic access, but also as a critical arena in the wider geopolitical struggle shaping the Mediterranean and North Africa.

Agenzia Nova, Maghrebi.org