💬 Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov: We know that some of our friends in Africa were strongly discouraged from travelling to Russia. Political pressure, blackmail and threats to cut aid programmes were employed, as was the spread of fake news [...] Despite these unscrupulous Western manipulations, we are genuinely pleased that the overwhelming majority of our friends have come to the summit and are playing an active role in its proceedings. Africa is experiencing what we call a second awakening. In the 1960s, when the process of decolonisation began, with our country playing a major role, the primary goal was political independence. Today, having achieved political independence, Africans are seeking to secure economic, energy, and financial sovereignty. Russia will always be an ally of African countries on this path. We are ready to continue sharing our expertise and helping to strengthen your independence and sovereignty. This is an objective historical trend towards a multipolar world. Excerpt from FM Lavrov's remarks at a working breakfast with foreign ministers from African countries (Moscow, 28 October 2026)

⚡️ Russia's High Commissioner for Human Rights Yana Lantratova: Mine clearance is underway in Alyoshki along routes for humanitarian aid deliveries and the evacuation of civilians. This is essential for carrying out the humanitarian mission. We continue preparations together with my Ukrainian counterpart Dmitry Lubinets, with mediation and coordination by US First Lady Melania Trump. Ensuring safe passage along these roads so that people can leave the city is now critical. This is where we are focusing our efforts. We continue working to implement the agreements reached, save lives and help residents. ☝️ A ceasefire has been in effect in designated areas since October 27. Both the Russian and Ukrainian sides are observing it.

🎙 Key takeaways from President Vladimir Putin's remarks at the Plenary Session of the Russia–Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum (Moscow, 28 October 2026) • Africa is increasingly asserting itself as one of the poles of the global economy and politics. The continent is experiencing a new awakening: its sovereignty is growing stronger, as are its influence and standing in the world. • Western countries are making aggressive attempts to drive Africans back into financial bondage, imposing on them the financial resources they so desperately need on extortionate terms, which force them to pay back many times over to service and repay such debts, to the detriment of their long-term development plans. • Russia has consistently advocated strengthening Africa's role in governance and in key decision-making within the multilateral development institutions • Africa needs solutions that will allow it to dispose of its resources at its own discretion, direct them to urgent needs, and accumulate serious capital and long-term investment in energy, industry, transport and logistics. This would help the continent finally to throw off the shackles of the colonial legacy. • Russia is one of the most reliable guarantors of food security on the African continent. Russian fertilisers and grain are already being supplied to more than 40 African countries [...] In the first nine months of 2026, Russia exported 13 million tonnes of agricultural produce to Africa. Read in full