“Understanding the importance of an uninterrupted food supply for socio-economic development and maintaining the political stability of African states, we are increasing the supply of agricultural products to Africa,” the Russian leader stated.

“And this is despite the illegal sanctions imposed on our exports, which seriously impede the supply of Russian food, complicate transport logistics, insurance, and bank payments,” he added.

Russia will always be a responsible supplier of agricultural products, including free of charge to countries in need, Putin stressed.

On Thursday, the Russian president offered free grain to six African countries, noting that shipments will be ready within months. Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Mali, Somali, the Central African Republic, and Eritrea will each receive 25,000 to 50,000 tons of grain, according to Putin. Moscow will also cover the delivery costs of the shipments, he said.