Russia President Putin promises free grain to 6 African nations
Russian President Vladimir Putin gives a speech at the plenary session of the second Russia-Africa summit in Saint Petersburg, Russia on July 27, 2023. PHOTO | AFP
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday offered free grain to six vulnerable African countries as he launched a summit with leaders from the continent days after withdrawing from the Ukraine grain export deal.
The two-day summit in Putin's native Saint Petersburg is being scrutinised as a test of his support in Africa, where he retains support despite international isolation sparked by his military intervention in Ukraine last year.