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Putin woos African leaders at Moscow summit, telling them Russia is a better partner than the 'colonial' West

From the Newshound archive · first published 28 October 2026.

Putin woos African leaders at Moscow summit, telling them Russia is a better partner than the 'colonial' West

Vladimir Putin opened the third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow, addressing government delegations from 48 countries and accusing Western nations of retaining a colonial mindset aimed at exploiting Africa's natural wealth. The Kremlin chief charged that Western countries use financial debt to suppress development, positioning Russia as the continent's premier strategic partner. He is expected to hold one-on-one talks with 22 attending African heads of state on trade, security, arms contracts and grain shipments.

The summit, first launched in 2019, forms part of Russia's push to counterbalance Western pressure over its war in Ukraine.

Putin warned that a multipolar world 'faces resistance from countries... accustomed to thinking in terms of their colonial past'.

MoreThe IndependentPutin's meeting with African leaders – here are five takeaways as he hits out at Western nationsReutersPutin woos African leaders at showcase summit, says Russia is better partner than 'colonial' WestAPPutin seeks to expand ties with African countries at Russia-Africa summitThe IndependentPutin tells African leaders Russia is their partner against 'colonial' West
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