Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted a series of meetings on Saturday with key African leaders and the President of the Palestinian Authority, as part of events marking the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II.
In Moscow, President Putin held separate talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, and Burkina Faso’s President Ibrahim Traoré. These discussions centered around deepening diplomatic ties and tackling pressing security issues.
During his conversation with President Abbas, Putin expressed interest in finding ways Russia could help ease tensions in the Middle East. This comes as European powers are stepping up pressure on Moscow to accept a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine. Earlier the same day, the leaders of France, the UK, Germany, and Poland issued the ceasefire proposal, with backing from U.S. President Donald Trump following a phone briefing.
The presence of African leaders in Moscow underscores Russia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its influence on the global stage, especially in regions where Western power is seen as waning.