Russia woos African leaders at Moscow summit
Russian President Vladimir Putin is hosting leaders from nearly two dozen African nations in Moscow to strengthen ties and promote a multipolar world order. The summit aims to expand economic cooperation and security assistance amid Western sanctions.
Why it matters
The summit signals Russia's strategic effort to maintain geopolitical influence and find new economic partners despite international isolation over the Ukraine conflict.
World: Russia woos African leaders at Moscow summit
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Russia woos African leaders at Moscow summit
The two-day Russia-Africa summit, the third since 2019, comes as Moscow grapples with heavy Western sanctions over its Ukraine offensive and as it provides security assistance to several African governments.
Russian President Vladimir Putin gives a speech during the Russia-Africa economic and humanitarian forum at the Gostiny Dvor conference centre in central Moscow on October 28, 2026. (Photo by Igor IVANKO / POOL / AFP)
A summit with nearly two dozen African leaders opened in Moscow Wednesday, with the Kremlin describing their countries as "natural allies" against the West.
Also covering this story
4 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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