Russia is capable of replacing the Ukrainian grain, both on a commercial and free-of-charge basis, especially as it expects another record harvest this year.

This assurance was given by President Vladimir Putin, who stressed that Russia will continue its energetic efforts to provide supplies of grain, food products, fertilisers, and other goods to Africa despite the sanctions imposed by the West.

Putin addressed the Plenary session of the 2nd Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum underway in St. Petersburg.

Food insecurity experienced in Africa due to the halting of the Black Sea grain deal is just one of the records that President Putin is setting straight following talks with African leaders.

He says before Russia considered the decision to discontinue the UN-backed deal, it observed that none of the provisions relating to the exemption from sanctions of Russian grain and fertiliser exports to world markets were not fulfilled.

Moreover, barriers have been mounted even to attempts to supply free mineral fertilisers to the poorest countries in need, Putin told more than 50 African leaders and forum attendees.

The Russian leader revealed that of the 262,000 metric tonnes of goods blocked in European ports, only two shipments were delivered: one of 20,000 metric tonnes to Malawi and one of 34,000 metric tonnes to Kenya.

‘’And this is a purely humanitarian initiative we are talking about, which should be exempt from any sanctions as such. Considering all these facts, there is no longer any use in continuing the "grain deal," as it has failed to serve its original humanitarian purpose. We argued against further extending the "deal," which terminated as of July 18. I want to give assurances that our country is capable of replacing the Ukrainian grain both on a commercial and free-of-charge basis, especially as we expect another record harvest this year. Notwithstanding the sanctions, Russia will continue its energetic efforts to provide supplies of grain, food products, fertilisers, and other goods to Africa. We highly value and will further develop the full spectrum of economic ties with Africa—with individual states as well as regional integration associations and, naturally, with the African Union," President Putin said.

Instead, Putin said the Kremlin will ensure that new trade routes with Africa are explored at all costs, and this is no charm offensive.