Russian ship Perekop returns to Togo after 45 years
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on La Nouvelle Tribune
The Russian training ship Perekop has docked in Lomé for a three-day official visit, marking the return of a Russian military vessel to Togo after 45 years. Russian and Togolese military officials are due to discuss naval cooperation, according to Russia’s Defence Ministry and La Nouvelle Tribune.
The Russian training ship Perekop has docked at the port of Lomé for a three-day official visit, marking the return of a Russian military vessel to the Togolese capital after 45 years. The last visit by a Soviet warship to Lomé dates back to 1981, according to Russia’s Defence Ministry.
Rear Admiral Vyacheslav Sytnik, who heads the expedition of the Russian Baltic Fleet ship, held talks with several Togolese military officials, including the chief of staff of the armed forces, Brigadier General Tchakpele Akli-Esso. Cultural and sporting activities are also planned during the stopover, according to La Nouvelle Tribune.
The Perekop is carrying more than 200 cadets from Admiral Fyodor Ushakov Naval Institute, who are gaining practical navigation experience during the voyage. The vessel had previously stopped in Cotonou from 8 to 10 November, where Russian officers discussed naval cooperation with Beninese officials, according to La Nouvelle Tribune.
The visit comes after a meeting between Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on 30 October 2026 at the Kremlin. The two leaders discussed avenues for cooperation in energy, transport, logistics, geological exploration, agriculture and education, according to La Nouvelle Tribune.
