Russian President Vladimir Putin declared that Russia will generously donate up to 50,000 tons of grain to six African countries.
The announcement was made during the Russia-Africa summit held in St. Petersburg.
Putin expressed his commitment to aiding the African nations, stating, “In the coming months, we will ensure free supplies of 25,000 to 50,000 tons of grain to Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Mali, Somalia, Central African Republic, and Eritrea.”
This humanitarian gesture comes in the aftermath of Russia’s recent suspension of a crucial grain deal that allowed Ukrainian grain to be transported from Black Sea ports to nations in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
Both Russia and Ukraine play pivotal roles as major global suppliers of essential food products such as barley, wheat, corn, and sunflower oil, which are vital for many developing countries’ sustenance.
However, the export of these essential supplies was disrupted following Russia’s full-scale invasion last year.
This led to soaring food prices, exacerbating concerns about food security and global hunger.
The once-prominent Black Sea grain deal, facilitated by the UN and Turkey in mid-2022, enabled the export of nearly 33 million tons of Ukrainian grain despite the ongoing conflict.
