I see people sharing this picture, and it accurately depicts the Russian government’s overall position, but I think people should include more context and the full translation.

Maria Zakharova is a senior Russian diplomat and the principal spokesperson for Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She has held the spokesperson role since 2015 and is also the director of the Foreign Ministry’s Department of Information and Press.

The full translation of the quote:

“Don’t you see what we are fighting for? Don’t you see that our guys are giving their lives? … With their lives they are defending the right not only of the African continent, but of all people on our planet to be free.”

The Russian government is pro-African, partially for resources, but also because they’re opening up their country to African (and Indian) men to fill their manpower shortages.