"Putin's Ongoing Gamble: Ukraine's Grain, Africa Summit, and US Criticism"

Russian President Vladimir Putin used a summit with African leaders in St. Petersburg to address concerns over Russia's invasion of Ukraine and food insecurity in Africa. Putin pledged to send free grain supplies to six African nations, but the move was met with skepticism. The Kremlin has been accused of using grain as a weapon in its war against Ukraine, and the suspension of a grain deal has led to rising food prices globally. In addition to the grain pledge, Russia signed arms deals with African countries, and the leader of the Wagner mercenary group made a surprise appearance at the summit. African leaders urged Putin to end hostilities in Ukraine.