Russia's engagement in Africa has expanded, evolved, and deepened in the 2020s, particularly following the launch of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The continent constitutes an increasingly important arena in Russia's competition with the West, serving both to secure support for Russian positions and to undermine European and American influence. During this time, the Wagner Group and later the Africa Corps have dominated attention surrounding Russia's military activities in Africa, contributing to portrayals of its engagement on the continent as primarily opportunistic. However, Russia's military presence extends far beyond these initiatives, and many of its activities reflect broader strategic interests that may grow even more important in a more fragmented world order.