Putin Gifts Zimbabwe Helicopter aiming to strengthen ties amid sanctions. In a move that signals Moscow’s efforts to strengthen ties with the southern African nation, despite the significant sanctions it currently faces. The helicopter, presented by President Putin, will be rebranded as “X” and is set to be delivered to Zimbabwe in the near future. In addition to the helicopter, Russia has also announced a donation of grain, including maize and wheat, to Zimbabwe, as part of its aid initiative to six African countries, aiming to provide free food assistance.
The announcement of these gifts took place during Zimbabwe’s President Mnangagwa’s attendance at the Russia-Africa Summit in St. Petersburg. During the summit, President Mnangagwa highlighted the importance of cooperation between countries facing Western sanctions, emphasizing that such collaborations are essential for their survival.
As part of its aid efforts, Russia will be donating up to 50,000 tonnes of grain to six African countries, including Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso, Mali, Somalia, Central African Republic, and Eritrea.
Although Zimbabwe claims to be food secure, President Mnangagwa expressed gratitude for the grain donation, underscoring the significance of partnerships in agriculture, technology, and education.
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Zimbabwe and Russia have forged close ties in the face of western sanctions. In a previous deal, Zimbabwe received 18 helicopters from Russia in a $320 million agreement, said to be a public-private partnership. This deal raised concerns due to its lack of approval by Parliament and questions about the cost of each helicopter at $10 million.
President Mnangagwa, however, defended the deal, asserting that Zimbabwe seeks to overcome the impact of Western sanctions through cooperation with friendly countries like Russia.