President Putin considers African proposal, US and Italy 'unite' on Kiev issue

On July 28, Russian President Vladimir Putin affirmed that Moscow is seriously considering the peace initiative in Ukraine proposed by Africa.

Tổng thống Putin: Nga đang nghiên cứu đề xuất của châu Phi về Ukraine, Mỹ, Italy thống nhất quan điểm về Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks at the Russia-Africa Summit in St. Petersburg on July 28.
(Source: AFP)

At the 2nd Russia-Africa Summit held in St. Petersburg on July 28, President Putin said that Moscow respects the contributions of African countries to regional peace and is carefully studying the above proposals.

According to the leader, Russia is currently increasing food supplies to Africa, including some free grain shipments that he announced a day earlier.

At the same time, Moscow is now interested in promoting military cooperation with the continent. Mr. Putin revealed that he would provide some ammunition for free, to help Africa strengthen security in the coming time.

Earlier, on July 27, US President Joe Biden welcomed Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for his strong support of Western efforts to support Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.

During the Oval Office talks with the US leader, the Italian prime minister expressed “pride” in Rome’s contribution to Ukraine. “We know our friends in difficult times,” Meloni said. “In my opinion, Western countries have shown that they can count on each other more than some people think.”

Besides, Prime Minister Meloni also stated: "Supporting Ukraine means protecting the principle of peaceful coexistence for all people and all countries around the world."

On the same day, the US announced that it would deliver the first batch of Abrams heavy tanks in September to support Ukraine’s ongoing counteroffensive. According to some unnamed officials, the first few tanks will be sent to Germany in August for “final refurbishment” before being shipped to Kiev in September 2023. The first delivery is expected to include about 6-8 tanks.

The US President “promised” to send Abrams tanks in January this year, and pledged to provide a total of 31 tanks, equivalent to a battalion, to Ukraine. This move by Mr. Biden is believed to be aimed at encouraging Germany to send Leopard 2 tanks to Kiev.

Washington is now working with its NATO allies to establish “heavy maintenance and repair facilities, particularly for combat damage,” to ensure that the Abrams tanks and Bradley infantry fighting vehicles delivered to Ukraine can be maintained.

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