How Putin tries to wheedle African nations at the Russia-Africa summit

Synopsis

Vladimir Putin announces that Russia will provide free grain to six African nations during a summit in Saint Petersburg. This promise comes after Russia's withdrawal from a Black Sea deal, which has increased global grain prices and threatened food security in Africa. Putin states that Russia will compensate for the lack of grain from Ukraine, offering between 25,000 to 50,000 tons of grain to Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Mali, Somalia, the Central African Republic, and Eritrea. He emphasizes that the grain will be supplied on a commercial basis and free of charge to those in dire need, especially with a record high harvest expected this year. The announcement raises questions about potential political motivations, as some African nations have shown support for Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.