Russian President Vladimir Putin stated today, Thursday, that "the West exploited the grain agreement to meet its needs, depriving poor countries of their rights," emphasizing the importance of "enhancing trade between Russia and African countries."
During a summit with African leaders in St. Petersburg, Putin said, "Russia is capable of replacing Ukrainian grain exports to Africa, and will be ready to start supplying grain for free to six countries on the continent within three or four months." He added, "Russia expects a record grain harvest this year, and it is fully prepared to replace its grain exports for Africa both commercially and through aid," as well as fulfill what he described as "Moscow's pivotal role in global food security."
He noted, "We will be ready to supply Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Mali, Somalia, the Central African Republic, and Eritrea with between 25,000 and 50,000 tons of free grain for each country in the next three or four months," adding, "We will also deliver these products for free to consumers."
Putin mentioned that Russia exported a total of 60 million tons of grain last year, including 48 million tons of wheat. In response to Western criticisms of Russia's decision to withdraw from the Black Sea grain agreement last week, which allowed Ukraine to export its grain safely, Putin confirmed that Moscow withdrew from the agreement because none of the promises regarding the facilitation of its grain and fertilizer exports were fulfilled.
He stated that the Western sanctions imposed on Russia in response to the war in Ukraine, which Russia refers to as a "special military operation," prevented Russia from even providing fertilizers for free to poor countries. He continued, "A contradictory picture emerges. On one hand, Western countries hinder our supplies of grain and fertilizers while unjustly blaming us for the current crisis in the global food market."
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the grain that Russia pledged to provide to African countries as "a handful of donations." The President of Zimbabwe expressed gratitude, despite his country already having sufficient resources to ensure its food security. Meanwhile, the African Union President, Azali Assoumani, called for "peaceful coexistence between Russia and Ukraine," noting that "this would save the lives of those who depend on food supplies from both countries.”
Assoumani also strongly condemned the coup in Niger, calling for the release of President Mohamed Bazoum. African leaders began arriving in St. Petersburg yesterday, Wednesday, to attend the "Russia-Africa" Forum Summit scheduled for July 27 and 28.
