Russia and Burkina Faso are deepening their strategic partnership, and Vladimir Putin's relationship with Ibrahim Traoré is becoming increasingly important to the changing geopolitics of the Sahel.

In July 2026, Russia and the Alliance of Sahel States—Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger—agreed to strengthen military cooperation as the region continues to confront serious security challenges. Burkina Faso and Russia have also reaffirmed cooperation in security, energy, mining, trade and investment.

But what exactly does Putin's support for Burkina Faso mean?

Why has Ibrahim Traoré moved closer to Moscow? What does Russia gain from its growing relationship with the AES? And could this partnership fundamentally change the balance of power in West Africa?

In this video, we examine Putin and Ibrahim Traoré's relationship, Russia's military cooperation with Burkina Faso, the Alliance of Sahel States, Russia's growing influence in Africa, and the future of the Sahel.

We also examine whether Russia's support can help Burkina Faso strengthen its security and pursue greater strategic autonomy—or whether the partnership creates new challenges of its own.

Watch until the end for the bigger geopolitical picture.

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