At the Russia‑Africa Summit in Moscow, President Vladimir Putin accused Western nations of steering African countries toward debt dependence. He said sanctions, economic pressure and what he called unfair loan terms were used to maintain influence. Putin claimed that Western powers oppose the emergence of a stronger Africa. The remarks were made on October 28 during the summit’s sessions. He framed the issue as part of broader geopolitical competition. The comments were published by the Zambian Observer. No specific examples of debt arrangements were listed in the statement.