Why Are Russian Fighter Jets in Libya and What Are Russia’s Ultimate Goals?

Russian fighter jets aided Libya’s General Khalifa Haftar’s retreat from Tripoli following a defeat at the hands of coalition forces aligned with the Government of National Accord (GNA). Wagner Group Russian mercenaries have aided Haftar while Turkey has led a coalition in support of the GNA. What is the impact of Russia’s presence in Libya, and what does Russia gain from its increasing influence in Libya? Subscribe to Carnegie’s YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/38sljlH About Frederic Wehrey Frederic Wehrey is a senior fellow in the Middle East Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. His research deals with armed conflict, security sectors, and identity politics, with a focus on Libya, North Africa, and the Gulf. About Andrew Weiss Weiss is the James Family Chair and vice president for studies at the Carnegie Endowment, where he oversees research in Washington and Moscow on Russia and Eurasia. The Carnegie Endowment advances international peace by leveraging its global network to shape debates and provide decisionmakers with independent insights and innovative ideas on the most consequential global threats and opportunities.

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