Russia is pursuing costly state oil and platinum projects in Africa despite an economic crisis at home, hoping they will bolster sales, including of arms, for businesses hit by Western sanctions over the conflict in Ukraine.
Moscow has mostly focused on building ties with Asia since the U.S. and European Union sanctions came into force last year, but the Africa deals signal a desire to rebuild what was a big market for its weapons and technology during the Soviet era.
The drive by government-owned industrial giant Rostec, which includes Russia’s monopoly arms exporter in its vast portfolio, is complicated by the economic …read more
Source: Voice of America
