African leaders emphasized the importance of implementing their peace plan to resolve the Ukraine war and renewing the Ukrainian grain export deal during their discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Although they did not directly criticize Russia, their interventions on the second day of the summit served as a reminder of the depth of African concern regarding the war’s consequences, particularly in terms of food prices. Congo Republic President Denis Sassou Nguesso urged Putin and fellow African leaders in St Petersburg to give the African peace initiative the attention it deserves. He emphasized the urgent need for peace restoration in Europe.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, a key buyer of grain via the Black Sea route, stressed the importance of reaching an agreement to revive the Black Sea grain deal. This deal, until Moscow decided not to renew it last week, allowed Ukraine to export grain from its seaports despite the ongoing war.
In response to these concerns, Putin argued that rising global food prices were a result of Western policy mistakes that occurred prior to the Ukraine war. He stated that Russia terminated the Black Sea agreement because it was not effectively providing grain to the poorest countries, while the West failed to fulfill its obligations. Following Russia’s withdrawal from the agreement, Ukrainian ports and grain depots have been bombed multiple times, leading to accusations from Ukraine and the West that Russia is using food as a weapon of war. As a result, global grain prices have once again increased.
During the St Petersburg summit, Putin aimed to strengthen Russia’s ties with Africa by promising increased trade and investment in the region. He views this as a means to counter what he perceives as a dominant U.S.-led world order.
Furthermore, Putin pledged to provide free Russian grain to six of the attending countries in the upcoming months. This gesture was made during Thursday’s discussions.
Regarding the African peace proposal on Ukraine, Putin stated that Moscow respects it and is carefully studying its details. However, when a group of African presidents presented the plan to him last month, Putin responded with a list of Russian grievances against Ukraine and the West. Russia has consistently expressed its willingness to engage in talks but argues that these discussions must reflect the “new realities” on the ground, where it controls nearly 20% of Ukrainian territory and claims four Ukrainian regions as its own after 17 months of war.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, on the other hand, rejects the idea of a ceasefire at present, as it would leave Russia in control of the occupied land and give its forces time to regroup.
In conclusion, African leaders have urged Putin to prioritize their peace plan for Ukraine and revive the Black Sea grain deal. They have highlighted their concerns about the consequences of the war, particularly in terms of food prices. Putin, in response, defends Russia’s actions and argues that rising food prices are a result of Western policy mistakes. He also aims to strengthen Russia’s ties with Africa and has made commitments to provide free grain to several African countries. While Putin indicates that he respects the African peace proposal, there are differences in views regarding the path to resolving the conflict.
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