Putin: Russia is African continent’s best partner, not ‘colonial’ West

The third Russia-Africa Summit began in Moscow on October 28 with Russian President Vladimir Putin asserting that his country is Africa's premier partner against what he calls the "colonial" West. Leaders and delegations from 48 African countries are attending, focusing on topics like trade, security, arms contracts, and grain supplies. Putin criticized Western nations for trying to exploit Africa’s resources and using debt to suppress development. He emphasized that Russia does not engage in neo-colonial exploitation but instead supports local economic growth and job creation. The summit aims to deepen cooperation between Russia and African nations amid Moscow's efforts to expand its political, economic, and military influence across the continent.