Shortly before the Russia–Africa Summit, the United States is putting pressure on African countries to turn them against Moscow and dissuade leaders from attending the meeting, British media has claimed, citing African officials.
The pressure has reportedly intensified after Russia's decision to suspend the grain deal.
The news outlet also emphasized that such actions put some African countries in a rather difficult position before the start of the summit, since they "often need Russian and US assistance on economic and security issues," as stated the news outlet.
The grain deal has been suspended since July 18. On Monday, Russia notified Turkiye, Ukraine and the UN of its objection to its extension.
Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier noted that the terms of the deal concerning Russia were not fulfilled, despite the efforts of the UN, because Western countries were not going to fulfill their promises.
Putin has repeatedly pointed out that the West exported most of the Ukrainian grain to its states, and the main purpose of the deal – the supply of grain to countries in need, including African countries – was never realized.