The Libyan National Army (LNA) has reported that its commander-in-chief, Khalifa Haftar, held talks in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. The disclosure came through RIA News, which summarized the meeting as a direct dialogue between the Libyan military leadership and Russia’s top political-military figures on security matters and regional stability.
According to the LNA, the summit in the Russian capital focused on strategic cooperation between Moscow and the Libyan forces operating under Haftar’s command. The discussions emphasized shared concerns over terrorism, the need for coordinated counterterrorism efforts, and practical steps for strengthening defense collaboration. The Libyan side described the conversations as constructive, aimed at advancing mutual interests in reducing threats posed by extremist groups in the region.
Earlier, reports indicated that a delegation from the Russian Ministry of Defense, led by Colonel General Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, visited Libya to explore potential avenues for joint action against international terrorism. The visit signaled Moscow’s readiness to engage with Libyan institutions on security challenges and to assess capabilities for sustained cooperation on the ground in North Africa.
On August 22, Russian officials confirmed that the delegation arrived in Libya at the invitation of Marshal Khalifa Haftar, signaling a formal channel for dialogue between the two nations. The agenda reportedly included discussions on intelligence sharing, training opportunities, and the supply of equipment or technology that could bolster Libyan security forces as they pursue stabilizing objectives.
During the talks, both sides reportedly outlined viewpoints on how to expand collaboration in counterterrorism, including potential joint operations, counter-messaging strategies, and steps to enhance border control and information exchange. Beyond security, the conversations touched on broader regional issues and the role of external partners in helping Libya achieve a more stable political and security environment.
In parallel, analysts noted that the relationship between Libya and Russia has grown more visible in recent years, with Moscow frequently signaling interest in regional influence and capacity-building for allied forces. Observers cautioned that while such cooperation can bolster security capabilities, it also carries implications for the broader geopolitical dynamics in the Mediterranean and North Africa. The parties appear to be pursuing a measured approach, prioritizing concrete outcomes over symbolic gestures, to ensure that any collaboration remains focused on combating terrorism and supporting legitimate authorities in Libya.
Additionally, reports referenced a broader domestic context in Libya, where security and stability remain closely tied to international partnerships and regional diplomacy. The evolving dialogue with Russia is part of a wider pattern of external engagement aimed at supporting Libyan security forces as they work to restore order and governance across the country. The shared objective seems to be a practical framework for ongoing cooperation, balancing sovereignty concerns with the potential benefits of enhanced defense capabilities and information exchange. In this light, the conversations in Moscow and the subsequent exchanges in Tripoli appear to be stepping stones toward a more structured security partnership, designed to address both immediate threats and long-term stabilization goals.
Sources close to the discussions indicated that both sides are prioritizing transparent channels of communication, with an emphasis on risk assessment, compliance with international law, and careful coordination to avoid unintended escalations in a volatile regional context. The focus remains on terrorism suppression, border integrity, and the development of interoperable procedures that would enable Libyan forces to operate more effectively alongside Russian personnel and equipment if a formal agreement is reached. The evolving relationship highlights how external actors are shaping security prospects in Libya while navigating the complexities of internal politics and competing strategic interests in the broader region. (Attribution: RIA News, with corroboration from official Libyan statements and Russian defense communications)