The Russian Federation aims to seize uranium assets in Niger owned by a French company, according to a report by the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
The Russian Federation aims to acquire uranium assets in Niger currently owned by the French state company Orano SA, and analysts believe Russia may succeed in this endeavor.
"Russia is also reportedly seeking to take over uranium assets in Niger currently held by French state-controlled company Orano SA, and the multi-sectoral cooperation agreement signed by Yevkurov and his Nigerien counterparts may support this Russian effort," the report states.
According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Russia has also increased its military presence in Niger. Meanwhile, the US intends to withdraw all its troops from the country.
"Russia has recently increased its military presence in Niger - the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD)'s Africa Corps deployed to Niger in April 2023 and stated its intentions to replace US forces in northern Niger, then entered a base housing US military personnel in the country in May 2024. The US notably intends to remove all American troops from Niger by September 15, 2024," the analysts note.
Earlier in May 2024, Reuters reported that Russian troops had entered an American airbase in Niger.
It was previously reported that the Russian ground forces on the Kola Peninsula were destroyed after significant losses in the war against Ukraine.
