The Latest Breaking News from St Petersburg

The second Russia-Africa summit in St Petersburg on July 27 and 28 was predictably overshadowed by the war in Ukraine – and especially Russia’s refusal to agree an extension of the Black Sea grain deal, which expired earlier in the month.

Mercenary chief was said to have agreed to resettle in Belarus after June’s dramatic attempted uprising, but now appears to be in St Petersburg attending the Russia-Africa Summit

Leaders from across Africa attending talks in St Petersburg, with food security and Ukraine war high on the agenda.

UN chief Antonio Guterres warned Thursday that a "handful of donations to some countries" won't offset the dramatic impact of Russia's decision to leave a Black Sea deal that had allowed Ukraine to export grain worldwide. Earlier in the day, Russian President Vladimir Putin told a summit with African leaders…

Not right away. But if the mood for talks grows, Africa and China hold advantages that could make them vital mediators.

Two critical issues must be top of mind for African leaders when they meet President Vladimir Putin at the second Russia-Africa summit in St Petersburg this week.

The second Russia-Africa Summit takes place in St Petersburg on 27-28 July. This comes at a time of a major geopolitical shift, which African leaders may see as offering beneficial opportunities.

Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko reportedly remarked – suppposedly in a joking tone – during a recent meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg that Wagner mercenaries are eager to move into Poland.

Ukrainian drone attack on ammunition depot in Crimea prompts evacuation, bridge closure; Putin and Lukashenko set to meet in St PetersburgSee all our Russia-Ukraine war coverage