Russian Armored Vehicles Arrive in Togo: The Stakes of the Diversion of the Ship Mikhail Britnev to Lomé

On July 9, 2026, the Russian heavy lift cargo ship Mikhail Britnev discreetly docked at the port of Lomé, carrying armored vehicles and military equipment loaded in Kaliningrad. This rerouting is surprising as Russian deliveries to Mali historically went through Conakry. The ship was escorted by the Aleksandr Shabalin, fitted with makeshift anti-drone nets. This move exposes Togo to major diplomatic repercussions and raises questions about a new Russian axis of influence in the Gulf of Guinea.