The West is providing money to the Kiev regime at the expense of aid to African countries, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova argued on Saturday at the first ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum.

“Today, a number of really needy African countries do not receive the necessary financial support through, for example, the IMF, the World Bank,” the diplomat said, according to TASS.

“Do you know why? They can create many stories, but you and I know the truth, and let’s say it loudly: yes, because they are diverting their main resources to support the Kiev regime,” he stressed.

“And if we speak directly, to [υποστηρίξουν] the war,” Zakharova continued. “What are they doing this for? Only for one purpose – to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia. And why
is it necessary to cause a strategic defeat? Because Russia supports all those who do not need imaginary support, but real defense,” he said.

The first ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum takes place from Sunday to Sunday, November 10. The event is attended by approximately 1,500 delegates, including more than 40 ministers from the African continent.