Putin says ties with Africa a 'priority' for Russia

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Russia President Vladimir Putin said Monday that the Kremlin is ready to provide food to Africa "free of charge" - on a condition that a deal on exports via the Black Sea is not extended after the recently agreed 60 days, according to the Associated Press.

A deal that allowed grain to flow from Ukraine to countries in Africa, the Middle East and Asia was extended just before its expiration date, officials confirmed over the weekend.

Speaking at the International Parliamentary Russia-Africa Conference in Moscow, Putin said the extension meant the deal would run for another 60 days.

Russia, a key arms exporter to Africa, is making forays into the continent including through mining projects granted to the Wagner private paramilitary group.

Turkey announced this weekend the extension of the deal that has allowed Ukraine to export grain following Russia's offensive, but Moscow has said it only agreed to a 60-day extension, not 120 days.

Putin said on Monday Russia would continue to deliver grain, regardless of the status of the deal.

"If we decide not to extend this deal after 60 days, then we are ready to supply free of charge the volumes that were sent to the countries most in need in Africa," he said during a televised address.

The deal brokered by Turkey and the United Nations in July 2022 — and signed by Kyiv and Moscow — had allowed for the safe passage of exports. It was extended for 120 days in November.