Ukrainian Intelligence Disrupts Russian Arms Deals in South Africa

Operatives from Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence conducted operations targeting Russian interests in South Africa, according to The Washington Post.

In December 2022, DIU agents monitored the arrival of the Russian cargo ship Lady R at the Simon’s Town naval base.

Ukrainian intelligence reported that the vessel was loading a shipment of weapons.

The information was shared with the United States, prompting a public protest from the U.S. Ambassador to South Africa.

Eyewitnesses said the ship’s loading process lasted several days, mostly at night. Armed guards were stationed around the vessel, suggesting a high level of secrecy.

During its time in Simon’s Town, the ship’s Automatic Identification System (AIS) was turned off, making it untraceable.

In addition, according to the WP, Ukrainian intelligence reportedly prevented weapons from being loaded onto a Russian cargo aircraft that visited South Africa in 2022.

In August, while the Russian Navy’s training ship Smolny was visiting Cape Town, Ukrainian officials considered targeting the vessel but ultimately decided against a force-based scenario.

According to The Washington Post, Ukrainian intelligence operations in third countries, including Africa, have occasionally caused friction in relations between Kyiv and Washington.

DIU operations in Africa

In July 2024, Tuareg rebels in Mali launched an armed attack on Russian Wagner Group mercenaries after receiving prior intelligence and resources.

Le Monde reported that Ukrainian special services were directly involved in training the rebels, including in the use of drones.

Sources told the publication that Ukraine also supplied strategic intelligence on the location and movements of Russian forces.

This support may have played a decisive role in the operation, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 84 Wagner personnel.

Ukrainian military intelligence has also been active in Sudan. There, DIU carried out a multi-stage campaign targeting Russian mercenaries.

The first phase involved reconnaissance: tracking enemy movements, mapping road and logistics routes, and estimating the number of Wagner fighters.

The second phase focused on sabotage operations targeting Russian and allied local vehicles.