The expense of the war has also reportedly been found to have taken a massive toll on Russia, with the country's economy in danger of "burnout."

Russia has reportedly sent up to 200 troops to Equatorial Guinea to protect the presidency, as it continues to expand its presence in Africa. Media reports say that the Russians are training elite guards in the country’s two main cities – the capital Malabo and Bata.

Russia has deployed up to 200 military instructors to Equatorial Guinea in recent weeks to protect the presidency, sources told Reuters, showing Moscow is expanding its footprint in West Africa despite a recent defeat in Mali.

Russia has deployed around 200 military instructors to Equatorial Guinea in recent weeks to protect the presidency. ・Russia has deployed around 200 military instructors to Equatorial Guinea to protect the presidency.