The Guardian reported Tuesday, citing leaked documents, that Russia is seeking to bolster its presence in at least 13 countries across Africa, including Libya, by building relations with existing rulers, striking military deals, and grooming a new generation of “leaders” and undercover agents.

The British newspaper said the leaked documents place Libya as the top fourth country for Russia's potential cooperation as Moscow has already stepped up its operations on the ground in Libya.

The report also says that Russia is supporting Khalifa Haftar who has been to Moscow last month amid his military offensive against Tripoli and who has visited Russia more than once before to receive assurances of military backup from The Kremlin.

Haftar met with many Russian officials, including defense ones and a businessman close to President Vladimir Putin - Yevgeny Prigozhin - who is linked also to Wagner Group, which is said to be sending fighters to support Haftar's forces in eastern Libya.