Russia to host third Africa summit, expands ties and recruits fighters

Moscow is set to host the third Russia‑Africa Summit at the end of October, drawing a delegation of African heads of state and senior officials for a series of high‑level talks. The gathering underscores a deepening partnership that the Kremlin has cultivated as Western sanctions and diplomatic isolation have limited its options in Europe and the United States. Over the past few years, African governments have increasingly turned to Russia for economic investment, diplomatic support and security cooperation, while Russian officials have promoted Moscow’s role as a strategic ally on the continent.

In parallel with the diplomatic outreach, Kyiv estimates that roughly 3,000 Africans have been recruited to fight for Russian forces in Ukraine since the invasion began four years ago, a figure that highlights Moscow’s broader strategy of leveraging foreign volunteers. The summit will therefore serve both as a platform to expand trade and political ties and as a venue where the contentious issue of foreign fighter recruitment is likely to be addressed. Observers note that the event will test the durability of Russia’s growing influence in Africa amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.