When you see a night illumined by an unknown light, know that this is the great sign given you by God that He is about to punish the world for its crimes, by means of war, famine, and persecutions of the Church and of the Holy Father. To prevent this, I shall come to ask for the consecration of Russia to my Immaculate Heart. If my requests are heeded, Russia will be converted, and there will be peace. If not, she will spread her errors throughout the world, causing wars and persecutions of the Church. The good will be martyred, the Holy Father will have much to suffer, various nations will be annihilated. In the end, my Immaculate Heart will triumph. The Holy Father will consecrate Russia to me, and she will be converted, and a period of peace will be granted to the world.

• Our Lady of Fatima to Lucia, July 13, 1917

Regardless of what you think of the religious aspect of it, Russia spent the greater part of the 20th century "spread[ing] her errors throughout the world, causing wars and persecutions...." Underdeveloped nations were all sitting ducks, and it was easy to turn corrupt leadership to Moscow.
Are things different today? Is Russia finally a force for good in the world? It is truly starting to look hopeful, in my humble opinion. Keep the nations of Africa in your prayers, and be sure to encourage them here on steemit! :)