The Kremlin has said that “without any doubt” it is ready to export grain for free to African countries that need it.
Putin has said Moscow could return to the agreement but only if the part of the deal allowing Russian grain and fertiliser is fully implemented.
AGAINST WESTERN “IMPERIALISM”
Since the start of the Ukraine offensive, Russia has sought to strengthen diplomatic and security ties with Africa.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has been on two tours of the continent so far this year, trying to win over leaders to Moscow’s side by emphasising Russia’s support against Western “imperialism”.
Experts say the push for more Russian influence in Africa is seen mainly in a series of security contracts and through assistance on social media campaigns.
Russia’s Wagner mercenary group has been a major player in the security sphere in Africa but its failed mutiny against Russia’s military leadership last month has cast doubt on the future of the group’s operations on the continent.
French President Emmanuel Macron has accused Moscow of seeking Africa’s “destabilisation” – a charge quickly rejected by Russia which has in turn pointed to France’s colonial past.
“Russia is developing friendly, constructive relations based on mutual respect,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said earlier.
African leaders have for their part sought a higher profile role in the diplomacy around the conflict in Ukraine.
A delegation of African leaders visited Moscow and Kyiv last month to urge both sides to cease hostilities but the initiative had little effect.
The summit in St Petersburg comes a month ahead of a summit of leaders of the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) which is due to take place in Johannesburg.
South Africa has said that Putin, who is the subject of an international arrest warrant for his actions in Ukraine, will not be attending in person.
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