Executive Summary 

Viktor Bout was the ‘’poster boy’’ for a new generation of post-Cold War international arms dealers who played a crucial role in areas where the weapons trade was embargoed by the United Nations. Bout’s comeback into the global illicit arms trade following his release in a U.S.-Russia prisoner swap is part of a broader Russian strategy to challenge Western influence and destabilise regions critical to Western interests.

With non-state actors like Bout, Russia strengthens its position in conflicts such as Yemen. This is occurring whilst Russia simultaneously diverts attention from its activities in Ukraine. These actions align with Russia’s opportunistic posture, using soft power to gain influence worldwide.