World
PUTIN COURTS AFRICA — BUT LEADERS PLAY THEIR OWN GAME IN MOSCOW
Russia hosted its third Russia-Africa Summit this week, with Vladimir Putin pitching Moscow as a better partner than the West — while African leaders pursued deals on their own terms.
Russia hosted its third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow this week, with President Vladimir Putin portraying Russia as a better partner for Africa than the West, which he accused of exploiting the continent's resources.
Delegations from 48 of Africa's 54 countries attended, with 22 represented by heads of state, up from 17 in 2023.
Russia's trade with Africa was estimated at $27 billion in 2025, below Moscow's $40 billion target from 2019, and Putin has now set a new goal of more than $50 billion.
Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said his country had received Russian Su-35 fighter jets and would acquire four S-400 air-defense systems, a deal whose value was not disclosed.
CNN also reported interviewing African men who said they were misled or forced into Russian military service and sent to fight in Ukraine.
Reporting: CNN
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