Leaders representing around 40 percent of the world's population, including Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, are joining the BRICS summit hosted by the Russian city of Kazan. The summit provides Putin with a platform to reinforce Russia’s global influence amid sanctions and an international arrest warrant for his alleged war crimes in Ukraine.
The BRICS group was established in 2009 with four original members – Brazil, Russia, India and China. A year later, South Africa joined. On Jan. 1, 2024, it officially expanded to include four additional members: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.
BRICS was established to serve as an alternative economic and geopolitical organization to Western-dominated groups like the Group of Seven and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. In recent years, it has evolved into a key platform for Russia to maintain diplomatic ties despite international isolation. (Related: BRICS announces new payment system for cross-currency exchanges, dealing a SERIOUS BLOW to the dollar.)
The Kremlin has branded the summit as one of the most significant foreign policy events in recent Russian history, and it presents a rare opportunity for Putin to conduct bilateral talks with more than 20 countries.
Located around 700 miles from the Ukrainian front lines, Kazan offers a safe venue for Putin to reassert Russia's standing on the global stage.
Security in Kazan is tight, with police and military personnel patrolling the city. The historic Kazan Kremlin serves as the summit’s backdrop, symbolizing Russia's deep historical roots and modern ambitions. Putin will use this stage to present himself as a leader capable of maintaining global influence, despite the war and ongoing sanctions.
The Kazan summit is a critical moment for Russia to demonstrate its ability to maintain international alliances. Putin aims to use the event not only to rally support for his war in Ukraine but also to push for a new world order less reliant on Western institutions, highlighting Russia's role as a key player in a multipolar global system.
Russia's ongoing conflict in Ukraine, now in its third year, has resulted in heavy casualties and severe economic sanctions. Yet, Putin continues to engage with major world powers. His meeting with Xi Jinping will be especially important, as China has provided critical economic support to Russia. Modi's presence also signals India's careful balancing act – maintaining neutrality in the Ukraine conflict while increasing trade with Russia, especially in defense and energy sectors.
BRICS leaders discuss decoupling from Western financial systems
One major topic for this summit is exploring alternatives to the SWIFT international banking system, dominated by the United States. Russia has been cut off from SWIFT due to international sanctions.
Putin is pushing for a BRICS-led financial network that would bypass reliance on Western currencies, providing a vital avenue for Russia and other member states to strengthen economic ties outside the influence of the West.
Newly elected Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is attending the summit, highlighting the growing alliance between Iran and Russia. Tehran has supplied Moscow with Shahid combat drones, which have been used against Ukraine. Turkey, represented by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, will also be present despite being a NATO member, illustrating the diverse geopolitical interests represented at BRICS.
Some notable absences, however, include Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who canceled his attendance due to a recent injury, and Argentina, which has distanced itself from the bloc under newly elected President Javier Milei, who favors closer ties with the West.
Nonetheless, the summit will see participation from key players like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Ethiopia, who are looking to advance their geopolitical and economic agendas through the BRICS platform. Saudi Arabia, though represented by Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan rather than Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, underscores its interest in balancing ties between the West and emerging powers within BRICS.
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Watch this video featuring Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian making his first speech at the BRICS summit.
This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.
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