The Brics Summit in Kazan, in the Russian Republic of Tatarstan, came to life with the day dedicated to leaders’ speeches, among which that of the Russian president stands out Vladimir Putin. The summit focused on crucial issues such as economic cooperationthe sanctions international ei global conflictswith a particular focus on the crises in Ukraine and the Middle East. The participation of 36 delegations allowed the Kremlin to boast “the largest foreign policy event ever organized” by Moscow, disproving the narrative of Russia’s international isolation.
Brics imagines a new multipolar global order
The president Vladimir Putin opened the day by outlining theeconomic agenda of the Brics+ summit, with particular attention to strengthening the financial cooperation among member countries. Among the proposals put forward, the creation of an alternative platform to Swift to facilitate investments and the transfer of financial resources in the countries of the global South and East.
Putin described this platform as a “powerful tool to support our economies and provide financial resources to countries in the Global South and East.” This is a move aimed at removing the bloc from the influence of Western financial systems.
The summit was also an important moment to discuss the expansion of the Brics+ bloc, which currently has nine members. In addition to the five founding states (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), this year the following have been added:
- Iran
- Egypt
- Ethiopia
- United Arab Emirates
- Saudi Arabia.
Other nations have expressed a desire to join the group, including Türkiye, Azerbaijan and Malaysia. An expansion that is a strengthening of the global influence of Brics block and which now increasingly presents itself as a concrete alternative to the economic and financial institutions dominated by the West.
Putin also proposed the creation of a common bag for cereals, legumes and oilseedssuggesting that this model could be extended to crucial commodities such as oil and gas in the future. According to the Russian president, a common stock exchange would make it possible to “contribute to the formation of fair and predictable price indicators” for essential products, strengthening food security and protecting markets from the risks of speculation or external interference, such as the many sanctions.
The connection between sanctions and wars
Another theme of the summit was precisely that of sanctions and the connection with current ongoing conflicts. Vladimir Putin used the summit to reiterate Russia’s position, defending its actions despite sanctions imposed by the West. The expansion of the BRICS and the presence of new members reinforces Moscow’s message: Russia is not isolated and can count on strategic alliances to support its economy, despite the embargo and limitations imposed by Western nations.
A key role in this debate was played by Chinawhich advanced together with Brazil a peace plan for Ukrainehowever rejected by the Kiev authorities. Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated the need to avoid an escalation of the conflict and to keep the channels of dialogue open to find a peaceful solution. “The role of the Brics is not only economic, but also political. We must ensure global security and contribute to stability,” Xi said.
Even theIndiaRussia’s historic partner, has maintained an ambiguous position on the conflict. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated his support for dialogue and diplomacy, but avoided openly condemning Russia for invading Ukraine.
Solutions for the Middle East: Lula’s appeal
In addition to the conflict in Ukraine, wars in the Middle East found ample space in the summit debate. THE’Iranwhich participated for the first time as an official member of the Brics, asked partners to commit to stop the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Lebanonechoing international concerns about the ongoing violence. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has launched an appeal to prevent these conflicts from getting out of hand. “We are facing two wars that could potentially become global,” Lula warned, referring to both the crisis in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Lula quoted Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who called Gaza “the largest cemetery of children and women in the world.” The Brazilian leader then called on all Brics members to do everything possible to promote diplomatic solutions and stop escalations that could have devastating consequences for global stability.
Finally, Erdogan’s arrival in Kazan, during the summit session, explicitly showed the relations between Turkey and the Brics bloc, despite Ankara’s membership of the Born.
Guterres arrives: tensions with Kiev
However, one of the most anticipated meetings of the day was the one between Vladimir Putin and the Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres. The visit sparked controversy, especially from Kiev, which harshly criticized the Secretary General’s participation in the summit. “It is a wrong choice that does not advance the cause of peace,” the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said.
Guterres, however, defended his participation in the summit as an opportunity to promote dialogue. The spokesperson, Farhan Haqresponded to criticism by saying that attending meetings with countries representing half the world’s population is standard practice for the United Nations. Despite the controversy, the meeting between Putin and Guterres marked a crucial moment of the summit, with the UN appearing so open in attempting to maintain communication channels with Moscow despite the war in Ukraine.
