Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced that Russia 🇷🇺 is writing off nearly $23 billion of debt to African countries 🌍 and that #russia will provide hard-pressed nations on the continent with free grain.

Putin and the African leaders attending the summit in St Petersburg have also agreed to promote a multipolar world order and fight “neocolonialism”.

Russia would provide grain directly to six poor #african countries following Russia’s withdrawal from a deal that allowed Black Sea exports, a decision that drew strong condemnation from the United States and its allies.

Despite the threat of US sanctions and attempts to isolate Russia, some 49 out of 54 African countries are participating in the summit.