Russia's war in Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin speeches during a Russia-Africa bilateral meeting, on July 29, in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Contributor/Getty Images
Russian President Vladimir Putin and African leaders will release a joint statement following a meeting on Ukraine in St. Petersburg, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told journalists on Saturday.
"A brief joint statement is being prepared following the meeting. It will be released as soon as it is agreed," Peskov said.
Putin is also expected to talk to journalists later on Saturday, Peskov said.
We will bring you more as we get it.
Some context: Putin has been hosting African leaders in a summit this week, seeking to strengthen ties after being left internationally isolated by the Ukraine invasion.
He told the delegation that the continent will become one of Moscow’s key partners “in a new multipolar world.”
There has been concern in Africa over Russia's withdrawal from a key grain deal. Putin offered to send grain free of charge to six African nations in the next few months, something the United Nations said would not make up the shortfall.
Just 17 heads of African states attended the summit this year — less than half of the 43 heads of state that attended the 2019 conference.
Source: CNN
