African Union Chair: "Putin Ready for Ceasefire Talks... What About Ukraine?"

Putin Cancels Black Sea Grain Deal → Proposes 'Free Grain'
Putin "Carefully Reviewing Africa Peace Proposal"

Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed continuing the commercial supply of grain while also providing grain free of charge during his closing speech at the Russia-Africa Summit held in Saint Petersburg on the 28th (local time).

The day before, he stated that within a few months, Russia could supply 25,000 to 50,000 tons of grain free of charge to Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Mali, Somalia, the Central African Republic, and Eritrea. This plan emerged amid growing concerns about a renewed global food crisis following Russia's termination of the Black Sea Grain Initiative on the 17th.

Putin waving his hand at the Russia-Africa Summit.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

Africa called Putin's proposal insufficient and urged for a ceasefire. Azali Assoumani, President of Comoros and Chairperson of the African Union (AU), said about Putin's proposal, "It is important but may not be enough," adding, "We need to achieve a ceasefire."

He urged, "President Putin has shown readiness to negotiate with Ukraine," and emphasized, "Persuasion of the other party (Ukraine) is necessary."

Meanwhile, President Putin also expressed his intention to continue dialogue with African countries to resolve the Ukraine crisis. He said, "Tonight, I will discuss the situation in Ukraine with African countries," and added, "I am also pursuing bilateral contacts with several African leaders."

During the daytime session, President Putin stated, "We respect and are carefully reviewing Africa's peace proposals for Ukraine," and continued, "Until now, so-called advanced democratic countries monopolized mediation proposals, but that is no longer the case," evaluating that "Africa is also ready to help resolve issues beyond their primary interests."

President Putin also said, "Russia and Africa have decided to qualitatively and quantitatively expand trade volume while gradually changing payment methods to their respective national currencies."

Additionally, during the daytime session, President Putin said, "Russia is ready to provide weapons free of charge to strengthen Africa's security," and "Russian and African leaders agreed to promote a multipolar world order and fight against neo-colonialism." It is reported that President Putin was satisfied with the results of the meeting, which was held in a constructive and friendly atmosphere.

Russia held the Russia-Africa Summit over two days from the day before to the 28th to expand its influence in Africa. Although 49 out of the 54 AU member countries participated in this summit, only 17 countries were represented by their heads of state, which was less than half the number of leaders attending the first summit in 2019, leaving some disappointment.