Putin Gains Support from Another Strategic Ally - Bloomberg

According to information provided by Ukrinform, the agency Bloomberg reports that the Russian Federation, under the leadership of President Vladimir Putin, has gained another strategic ally. This ally, Madagascar, has become an important partner for the Kremlin in the context of geopolitical instability, which has arisen amid chaos in the energy market and rising oil prices.

The publication notes that these factors have contributed to an increase in Russia's revenues, which has suffered significant losses due to four years of war against Ukraine. These events have negatively impacted the country's economy, but new allies may help restore resources and financial stability.

Recently, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, who became the President of Madagascar following a coup in October, expressed gratitude to Vladimir Putin for supplying combat helicopters, trucks, and rice. This gesture underscores the new military and economic ties between the two countries.

Interestingly, this event occurred just one day before the onset of the U.S. and Israeli attack on Iran, yet it did not provoke significant resonance beyond Madagascar. However, according to Bloomberg, it represents another step in the Kremlin's ambitions to expand its influence on the African continent.

The publication also reminds readers that Madagascar is the fourth-largest producer of cobalt in the world, a key material for battery production. Additionally, the country ranks second in graphite production, which is also used in batteries and for lining furnaces. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, Madagascar ranks eighth in the world for rare earth element reserves.

The port of Toamasina in Madagascar has a strategic location, as it is near a shipping channel in the Indian Ocean and close to gas-rich Mozambique. This port is an important hub through which nearly a third of the world's oil volume passes.

Experts note that in a context where U.S. President Donald Trump is focused on the conflict in the Middle East, the timing for deepening ties between Moscow and Madagascar is favorable. Sean Duty, head of the risk analysis department for Southern Africa at the consulting firm Control Risks, emphasizes that Russia is not shaping events around Iran but is skillfully exploiting moments when Western attention is diverted.

Duty also pointed out that current disruptions in global shipping only increase the strategic significance of the Mozambique Channel, which could become another factor strengthening Russia's position in the region.

It is worth recalling that on October 17, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, the leader of the coup in Madagascar and commander of the elite army unit CAPSAT, took the oath of office and officially assumed the presidency. This fact indicates new political changes in the country that could have far-reaching implications for the region and international politics.

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