Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that his country’s military industry has expanded its markets despite pressure from Western countries, generating more than $15 billion in export revenue.
Reuters reported on Friday night, January 30, that Putin said exports had been made to more than 30 countries, noting that African nations in particular have shown interest in expanding military and technical cooperation.
Putin stressed that Western pressure has sought to slow or block Russia’s trade relations with other countries, but that export contracts have been fully implemented.
In recent years, Russia has strengthened its military ties with several African countries, including the Central African Republic, Mali, and Burkina Faso.