Thousands of tons of free grain were promised by Russian President, Vladimir Putin, to African leaders, who are participating at the Russia-Africa Summit in Saint Petersburg.

The Russian President spoke of 25,000-50,000 tons of free grain to Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Mali, Somalia, Central African Republic, and Eritrea.

The Russian President’s pledges come a week after Moscow’s decision to withdraw from the Black Sea agreement, which allowed Ukrainian grain to be exported around the world.

The suspension of exports is expected to particularly hit poor African countries that are heavily dependent on Ukrainian grain.

A paradox is emerging, Putin said in his speech, as on the one hand Western countries block their grain and fertilizer supplies through sanctions, while on the other hand, they are hypocritically blamed for the current crisis in the global food market.

Meanwhile, Russian Defence Minister, Sergei Shoigu, visited Pyongyang to attend celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of the signing of the armistice in the Korean War and had the opportunity to admire North Korea’s military equipment.

Source: Euronews

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