I speak to writer and journalist, Chris Olaoluwa Ògúnmọ́dẹdé, about Russia's influence in West Africa, Western reporting on elements like Chinese investment, Wagner Group, and the Russian State, and how all of these have been changing over the last few years within the context of the  Ukraine War. 

Chris Olaoluwa Ògúnmọ́dẹdé is an associate editor for World Politics Review. He specializes in diplomacy, development and international security, with a specialist focus on West African history, political institutions and foreign relations. His areas of interest include governance, elections, military dictatorships, comparative authoritarianism, trade and regional integration, migration, diasporism and social movements in Africa, with a focus on the West Africa region. His coverage of African politics, international relations and security has appeared in War on The Rocks, Mail & Guardian, The Republic, Africa is a Country and other publications. Follow him on Twitter at @Illustrious_Cee.