Russia woos African leaders at Moscow summit

Nearly two dozen African leaders are attending a two-day summit in Moscow, where the Kremlin cast African countries as natural allies in building a multipolar world. Vladimir Putin pledged to expand agricultural shipments, develop local production of Russian medicines and vaccines in Africa, and share digital expertise. The meeting comes as Russia faces Western sanctions over its Ukraine offensive and deepens ties with Sahel governments. Putin was due to meet the leaders of Mali and the Democratic Republic of Congo, while Rwanda was represented by its prime minister amid continuing tensions between Kinshasa and Kigali.