Russia is hosting a two-day summit with African nations from Thursday. The meeting comes as Moscow's rift with Western countries is deepening over its invasion of Ukraine.

The Russia-Africa summit in St. Petersburg is the second - the first took place in 2019.

Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov said on Tuesday that out of the 54 African countries, delegations from 49 nations, including 17 led by heads of state, will attend the gathering. He said the delegates will include government officials and business representatives.

Ushakov said participants will discuss a new world order based on multipolarity, as well as Russia's assistance to African nations in the shape of farm products, fertilizer and other items.

Earlier this month, Moscow announced that it was withdrawing from a deal to allow Ukrainian grain exports from Black Sea ports. Russia has continued to attack the port city of Odesa and other parts of Ukraine's south, raising concerns about food crisis among African countries.

Observers say Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to counter Western nations by deepening ties with African countries, many of which maintain neutral positions.