Specifically, the Russian president pointed out that, in the coming months, Moscow may supply free of charge up to 50,000 tons of cereals to six countries. He specifically cited, without the list being exhaustive, Zimbabwe, Somalia and eritreaas well as three other countries that have strengthened their links with Moscow in recent years: malithe Central African Republic and Burkina Faso. “Our country can substitute Ukrainian grain,” he added. putinensuring that Russia he is a “solid and responsible” producer.
Isolated on the international scene since the beginning of his military offensive in Ukraine in February 2022, the kremlin can still count on the support, or neutrality, of many African countries. It is the reason why this summit is considered as a diplomatic test for Moscowwhich has spared no effort to make the summit a success and to be able to project an image of power to the world.
Without going any further, between the end of last year, the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sergei Lavrov –very absent, moreover, on the Ukrainian scene–, he toured several times around Africa between the end of last year and the beginning of the present to guarantee significant presence these days in St. Petersburg. At least they equaled those of four years ago in Sochisite of the previous summit.
Unsurprisingly, they have also made the journey to St. Petersburg other essential allies of Moscow in the zone. like the central african Faustin-Archange Touadéra and the Malian Assimi Goitaleaders of countries in which the paramilitaries of the wagner groupwhose activity will be addressed at the summit.
But the main course of Saint Petersburgor will it be economic, that is, the aid and investments that Moscow be able to offer to the participating countries. Last Monday, in the official statement prior to the summit, putin He stated, somewhat smugly, that “Russian companies are interested in intensifying their work on the continent in the high-tech sector, geological exploration, the energy sector, including nuclear power, the chemical industry, mining, power engineering, transport, agriculture and fishing.
The only major project in progress is the construction of a nuclear power plant in Egypt. It is a huge program rosatomand the construction of the last of the three units officially began in May 2023. But there are great doubts about the capacity of Russia to commit to a project of this magnitude, estimated at $25 billion, 80% of which is supposed to be financed by a Russian loan. In principle, Egypt keep trusting Russia. Will she still do it in a few months?
