# Russia’s Africa Influence Peaks? > Russia’s Africa influence faces backlash as young Africans join war in Ukraine. - Title: Russia’s Africa Influence Peaks? · Foreign Policy | Shortify - Summary: Russia’s Africa influence faces backlash as young Africans join war in Ukraine. Russia’s Africa influence has peaked as African leaders withdraw from summit… - Keywords: russia, africa, summit, ukraine, recruitment, investment, african leaders, security, sahel, sudan, ethiopia, kenya - Source: Foreign Policy — https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/10/28/russia-africa-summit-putin-moscow-war-backlash - Author: Nosmot Gbadamosi - Read time: 1 min - Topics: russia, africa, summit, ukraine, recruitment, investment, african leaders, security, sahel, sudan, ethiopia, kenya ## Russia-Africa Summit The third Russia-Africa Summit begins in Moscow on Wednesday with 22 African leaders attending. ## Recruitment in Ukraine Around 3,000 african nationals fight for russia in ukraine’s war, often in dangerous combat roles. ## Putin’s Statement Putin claims a multipolar world is becoming objective and irreversible at the summit opening. ## Declining Attendance African heads of state attendance dropped from 43 in 2019 to 17 in 2023 following russia’s ukraine invasion. ## Trade Comparison Russia’s bilateral trade with africa reached $27 billion last year versus $93 billion with india and $348 billion with china. ## Investment Backlash African leaders criticize russia for failing to deliver on promised investments like nuclear plants. ## Nigerian Concerns Nigerian op-ed questions if young people will be safe after being lured to fight in russia’s war. ## Egyptian Relations Egypt accounts for one-third of russia’s africa trade at $10 billion, focusing on wheat imports. ## Military Presence Russia maintains military presence in mali, libya, and central african republic to prop up unstable governments. ## Family Concerns Zimbabwean media group says families want to know if relatives are alive or when they will return for burial. ## Ethiopia’s Conflict At least 60 people died in oromia region attacks over the past week, linked to rebel alliances. ## Kenya’s Missing Activist Tanzanian activist twaha mwaipaya went missing in kenya after being abducted by armed masked men. ## Algerian Deployment Algeria sends troops to niger for the first time in 50 years to protect energy investments. ## What Happens Next African leaders will push for russia to address war recruitment and investment promises. ## Key takeaway Russia’s Africa influence has peaked as African leaders withdraw from summit due to war recruitment and lack of investment.