The US government is putting “unprecedented pressure” on African countries to downgrade their relationship with Moscow, including efforts to block the upcoming Russia-Africa summit, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said Saturday night, according to Russian news agencies. news.

Russian President Vladimir Putin plans to host the second Russia-Africa summit in July to underline efforts to cultivate closer ties with African states as Moscow has faced a concerted Western effort to isolate it diplomatically, after the start of the Russian military invasion of Ukraine a year ago.

According to Deputy Foreign Minister Bogdanov, the West “collectively” has intensified its effort to isolate Moscow.

“The US and its allies are waging an unprecedented campaign of political and diplomatic isolation of Russia, including (attempting) to block the second Russia-Africa summit in St. Petersburg,” Mr. Bogdanov added, according to TASS.

Moscow has dubbed the invasion of Ukraine a “special military operation.” Kiev and the West denounce the “imperialist” and “unprovoked” war ordered by the Kremlin for what they say is a land grab.

“Since the start of the special military operation, the West has collectively greatly increased the pressure on African countries — with threats to impose sanctions, to end economic and humanitarian aid,” the Russian deputy foreign minister added.

Since the start of the war, which has killed thousands and forced millions from their homes, Moscow has turned to China, India and Africa to cultivate closer ties.

Russian diplomacy is trying to win the trust of key countries, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov having already visited the continent twice this year, following his tour last year.

Ten-day joint military trainings were held in South Africa with the participation of Russia and China. While the Wagner mercenary company has been deployed as part of counter-insurgency operations in Mali and the Central African Republic.

US President Joe Biden, for his part, has organized a US-Africa summit in 2022 in Washington, to strengthen US alliances on the continent as Russia and China step up efforts to consolidate their presence there.

Mikhail Bogdanov complained that Washington is spreading “fabricated” accusations against Moscow, in particular that it is trying to cause famine on the continent, or that it is raising fuel prices.