Russia has recently carried out large-scale attacks targeting grain reserves and targets that hinder Ukraine’s ability to export the goods.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin promises several African leaders that he will give them tens of thousands of tons of grain for free, reports Reuters.
– We will be ready to supply Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Mali, Somalia, the Central African Republic and Eritrea with 25-50,000 tons of free grain each within the next three to four months, he says.
Vladimir Putin’s pledge was met with thunderous applause from onlookers at the summit in Saint Petersburg on Thursday. Several African leaders have traveled to Russia to participate in the talks with the Kremlin, where the issue of grain has been high on the agenda.
The grain agreement between Russia and Ukraine collapsed in mid-July. Russia then chose not to extend the agreement, as they consider that their demands have not been met.
Despite protracted negotiations and global pressure, the Kremlin stood firm: the EU must ease the restrictions and let the country into the Swift international banking system.
In the matter of restrictions, Putin has particularly pointed out that Russia must again be allowed to export both grain and fertiliser.
Ready to defy the sanctions
The war in Ukraine has intensified the competition between the great powers in Africa. Via the Wagner group, Russia has broadened its influence across the continent in recent years – not least in the war-torn Sudan.
– We can already see that Africa has taken on a greater role. Russia is approaching to avoid sanctions from the West and find alternative relations, says Carl-Michael Gräns, senior analyst FOI.
The summit in Saint Petersburg is the latest in a series of examples of Russia’s new foreign policy approach to the countries of Africa.
Russia held its first Africa summit in 2019 and is pushing even harder, since sending troops to Ukraine, for influence and business on a continent where the Wagner group remains active – despite a failed coup last month.
– Russian investment and trade in Africa is quite small if you compare it to the USA, Europe and China – with the exception of the Wagner group and weapons, says Carl-Michael Gräns.
Now Putin says he is ready to defy the restrictions – to secure a diplomatic alliance in Africa.
Prices soar after “food terrorism”
Since Russia left the agreement and attacked grain reserves in the Danube River, global grain prices have increased by over 10 percent. The Ukrainian foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, called the attacks “food terrorism” and believes that Russia is holding 400 million people hostage by stopping exports.
And the extent of the consequences on the Russian attacks is also underlined by the UN Secretary General, António Guterres.
– When you remove millions and millions of tons of grain from the market, it is clear that it will lead to higher prices, he says and continues:
– So it is not with a handful of donations, to certain countries, that we correct this dramatic change that affects everyone, everywhere.