Following his withdrawal from the grain export agreement with Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday offered free grain to six African nations as he convened a conference with the continent’s leaders.
Putin’s support in Africa, where he continues to enjoy support despite the international isolation brought on by his military involvement in Ukraine last year, will be tested during the two-day summit taking place in Putin’s native Saint Petersburg.
Last week, Russia declined to renew an agreement that allowed Ukrainian grain shipments to go via the Black Sea to reach markets worldwide, including Africa, relieving pressure on food prices.
In a keynote address at the summit, Putin said Russia could “substitute Ukrainian grain” and promised to send grain to six African countries.
“In the coming months we will be able to ensure free supplies of 25,000 to 50,000 tonnes of grain to Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Mali, Somalia, Central African Republic and Eritrea,” Putin said.
The grain agreement allowed some 33 million tonnes of grain to leave Ukrainian ports over the course of a year, which helped to stabilize world food prices and avert shortages.
Attacks on the southern Odesa region, which is home to Ukraine’s ports and where the Russian army claims it damaged military installations, have increased since the ceasefire was suspended.
