The day before, there was an astonishing move. Foreign media: Russia Africa Summit Putin looks proud Ukraine Africa Summit
According to Agence France Presse Moscow on July 28th, despite military actions in Ukraine and being described by the West as a "pariah state," Moscow can still receive support from African countries.
According to reports, at the Russia Africa Summit held in St. Petersburg on the 28th, Russian President Putin appeared proud and took a photo shoulder to shoulder with several African heads of state.
Putin stated that the message conveyed by this family portrait photo is that Moscow is working hand in hand with the African continent and its 1 billion people.
He said on the 28th, "Russia's attention to Africa is steadily increasing."
Putin also said that Russia's relations with African countries have a bright future in an increasingly formed multipolar world.
It was reported that Putin had taken an astonishing move the day before, unexpectedly announcing at the meeting that he would provide free food to six African countries.
In the past few years, the Kremlin has launched diplomatic and economic offensives in Africa and provided "security" support to African governments through the Wagner Group, a mercenary organization, to help these countries combat extremist organizations and rebel activities.
Since the beginning of this year, Russia has accelerated its activities in Africa. Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov has visited Africa twice since January and portrayed Russia as a pillar of resistance against Western imperialism and neocolonialism.
According to Reuters on July 28th, Comoros President Azali Asumani, the rotating presidency of the African Union, stated on the 28th that Russian President Putin has shown sincerity in helping Africa solve food supply problems and that further efforts are needed to promote a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Asumani said at the Russia Africa summit, "The Russian President has stated that he is willing to help us solve the food supply problem."
Asumani said, "Yes, this is important, but it may not be enough yet. We need to push for a ceasefire."
He also said, "President Putin has shown us his willingness to engage in dialogue and find a solution." "Now we need to persuade the other party."
It is reported that Putin told African leaders that Kiev refused to engage in dialogue with Moscow.