According to Putin, Russia has military agreements with 40 African nations

Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, stated on Friday in St. Petersburg that his country has inked agreements for military cooperation with more than 40 African Nations.

On the second and final day of the second Russia-Africa Summit, Putin stated, “We are developing partnership in the military and military-technical spheres with the aim of strengthening the defense capability of the continent’s countries.”

“We supply a wide range of armaments and hardware to more than 40 African states to which Russia has signed agreements on military-technical cooperation.”

According to Putin, a variety of weapons and technology were given to African nations, some of them gratis, “with the aim of enhancing the security and sovereignty of the countries.”

In order to become familiar with the equipment and its use, representatives from African nations have been invited to actively engage in military forums conducted by Russia that deal with the technical elements of the weaponry and also manoeuvres.

Putin reaffirmed that Russia would continue to be a dependable grain supplier to the nations on the continent. The promise was made following Russia’s termination of a contract that permitted the transport of grain from Ukraine across the Black Sea. Grain from Ukraine is a significant source for Africa.

In his final remarks at the meeting, the president of the African Union declared that Putin’s promises to supply grain were insufficient.

“Yes, this is significant, but it might not be sufficient. We must secure a ceasefire, according to Azali Assoumani.

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“President Putin has shown us that he is ready to engage in dialogue and find a solution,” the official continued. We must now persuade the opposition.

The British Ministry of Defence (MoD) has issued a warning that the suspension of the Ukrainian grain trade by Russia will have long-lasting effects for African nations.

“The impact of the war in Ukraine will almost certainly compound food insecurity in Africa for at least the next two years,” the ministry stated in its daily report on Twitter on Friday.

30 million tons of grain from Ukraine might previously have been transported to other nations via the Black Sea thanks to the now-expired arrangement.

According to the MoD statement, Russia’s “blockade of Ukraine” has prevented the delivery of vital food supplies to nations like Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, and Sudan, which has increased grain prices.

On Friday, the Russian president pledged to donate between 25,000 and 50,000 tons of grain for free over the course of the following three to four months to Zimbabwe, Mali, Burkina Faso, Somalia, Eritrea, and the Central African Republic.

By adding personnel to current diplomatic missions and opening new consulates and embassies, Russia also hopes to increase its presence in Africa.

The country has a surplus of staff after 600 Russian diplomats were compelled to leave Western nations amid unrest, in part because of fears of espionage held by EU member states.

Following summit calls for peace in Ukraine, Putin reaffirmed his willingness to dialogue on the subject.

We have publicly stated that we are prepared for these conversations numerous times, he said.

Putin claimed that Russia was powerless to compel either party to engage in such negotiations.

Mykhailo Podolyak, a presidential advisor for Ukraine, criticized the Russians for their “traditional negotiating whine.”

In his words, it “makes no sense” for the Ukraine to engage in negotiations with Russia at this time.

“The way is open if Moscow wants to engage in negotiations. 1. Depart Ukraine. 2. Alter the ruling class. 3. Acknowledge war crimes. 4. Extradite the war’s perpetrators to the trial,” tweeted Podolyak.

Putin has previously questioned Ukraine’s right to exist as a free, independent state, leading the West to accuse him of not being sincere in negotiations.

As a prerequisite for talks, the United States, Germany, and other NATO allies have consistently demanded that Russia withdraw its soldiers from Ukraine. This was rejected by Moscow.

The Russia-Africa Summit was denounced by Western nations as a “PR show” and as Putin’s attempt to increase the dependence of African nations on Russia.

Putin aimed to show that he is not an outcast on the global stage during his discussions with the African heads of state and government at the summit.

In accordance with the Kremlin, just 17 of the 54 countries on the continent are participating, which is less than at the initial summit in 2019.

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