Russia needs allies, so it is hosting African summit

As Russia seeks more allies during its invasion of Ukraine, longtime US security partner Kenya might not be an obvious choice.

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But hours after Russia terminated a deal to keep grain flowing from Ukraine, Moscow’s ambassador saw an opening to appeal to one of the African countries that would feel the effects the most.

In an opinion piece for two of Kenya’s largest newspapers, Ambassador Dmitry Maksimychev blamed the United States and European Union for the deal’s collapse, asserting they had “used every trick” to keep Russian grain and fertiliser from the global markets.

It’s the kind of brash outreach expected this week at the second Russia-Africa Summit. Grain supplies are in question.