Russia hosted its first official meeting with the heads of militaries of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, Moscow's defence ministry said Thursday, as it seeks to increase its influence in the Sahel region.

Facing isolation in the West following its full-scale offensive in Ukraine, Moscow has tried to build new partnerships in Africa, where it has been growing its presence in recent years, including militarily.

The three Sahelian countries are led by juntas which seized power in coups and have turned away from former colonial power France while moving closer to Russia, which sends mercenaries to help them fight a jihadist insurgency.

"Today we are holding the first consultations between the heads of the defence ministries of the Russian Federation and the countries participating in the Sahe

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