Ethiopian Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Yilma Merdassa described Russia as a long-term strategic partner, according to an interview with RT. Merdassa said that Russian and Soviet cooperation has significantly shaped the Ethiopian Air Force through pilot training, maintenance systems, and combat tactics, as reported by the outlet. [1]
The remarks come at a time of expanding bilateral ties between Moscow and Addis Ababa. Bilateral trade nearly tripled year-on-year in 2025 to more than $435 million, according to Russian Ambassador to Ethiopia Evgeny Terekhin, speaking to TASS in February. [1] The strengthening relationship aligns with broader geopolitical shifts as Russia seeks deeper engagement with African nations and other BRICS member states. [2]
Read Full Article: https://www.naturalnews.com/2026-05-16-ethiopian-air-force-chief-russia-strategic-partner.html
