Putin hosts African leaders at Moscow summit

· Politics · Russia · Ethiopia

President Vladimir Putin welcomed leaders and delegates from nearly two dozen African countries to Moscow on Wednesday for the third Russia-Africa Summit, casting Russia as the continent's best partner and accusing the 'colonial' West of still trying to exploit its resources and using debt to hold back development. The Kremlin billed the attendees as natural allies against the West; the agenda covers trade, security, arms deals and grain supplies. On the sidelines, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said his country had received 12 Russian Su-35 fighter jets and would later take four S-400 air defence systems as it battles armed groups in Tigray and Amhara.

Why it matters：Russia's push into Africa is a contest for influence, arms markets and resources that shapes security and diplomacy far beyond the continent.

Key points

  • Nearly two dozen African countries sent leaders or delegates to Moscow.
  • Ethiopia received 12 Su-35 jets and expects four S-400 systems.
  • The summit agenda covers trade, security, arms and grain.

Sources (original reporting)

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