Putin praised record exports of Russian arms

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that Russia had expanded its markets and prospects, particularly in Africa, despite pressure from the West.

At a meeting on military-technical cooperation in the Kremlin, he said that Russian military products were delivered to more than 30 countries last year and export revenues exceeded $15 billion.

According to Putin, the sector is operating in "difficult conditions" as Western countries seek to slow down or block trade ties with Russia. Nevertheless, he said, Moscow has largely fulfilled its export contracts.

According to Putin, African countries are showing particular interest in Russian military technology and are ready to expand their cooperation with Russia in the field of defense. In recent years, Moscow has been systematically strengthening its relations with several African countries, including the Central African Republic, Mali, and Burkina Faso.

Russian Wagner mercenaries have been operating in the Central African Republic since 2018. President Faustin-Archange Touadéra invited Putin again this month for an official visit to the country.

(reuters, est)