Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted dozens of African leaders and government delegates in Moscow for the third Russia-Africa Summit. This two-day gathering is part of the Kremlin's strategic efforts to bolster Moscow's clout and expand its footprint across the continent.
The summit aims to strengthen economic and security ties, with discussions focusing on trade, arms deals, and grain supplies. Africa has taken on greater strategic importance for Russia since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
During the event, President Putin framed Moscow as an alternative to former colonial powers, claiming that Russia is the continent's best partner. He accused the colonial West of continuing to exploit Africa's resources and utilizing debt to hold back development.