Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the Russian Navy on Sunday during a naval parade in Saint Petersburg (northwest), attended by several African leaders after the Russia-Africa summit organized in the same city.
In his speech preceding the parade, Mr Putin praised “the courageous crews of Russian ships and submarines”, which play a role in the offensive in Ukraine, in particular the Black Sea Fleet which regularly takes part in bombings.
“In the name of Russia, our sailors give all their strength, show true heroism and fight valiantly, like our great ancestors,” Putin continued, although he did not refer to the conflict in Ukraine in his speech. .
Russia is “constantly strengthening the power of its navy”, he added.
Forty-five surface ships and submarines and about 3,000 sailors took part in the parade in the former imperial capital on the occasion of Russian Fleet Day, widely celebrated across the country.
It took place just after the Russia-Africa summit organized Thursday and Friday in the same city. Four African heads of state – Burkinabé leaders Ibrahim Traoré, Malian Assimi Goïta, Congolese Denis Sassou-Nguesso and Eritrean Isaias Afwerki – attended alongside the Russian president.
30/07/2023 13:22:58 – Saint Petersburg (AFP) – © 2023 AFP
