Russian President Vladimir Putin has celebrated the establishment of a new “multipolar world order” during the BRICS summit, aiming to demonstrate that Western efforts to isolate Russia due to its invasion of Ukraine have been unsuccessful.
The gathering in Kazan marks the largest diplomatic event in Russia since Mr. Putin deployed troops to Ukraine in 2022, which led to extensive Western sanctions and global backlash.
Russia views this platform as an alternative to Western-dominated international organizations like the G7, a sentiment echoed by key ally Chinese President Xi Jinping.
He urged members to contemplate how they might tackle the most urgent issues on the global agenda, particularly “acute regional conflicts.”
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has arrived in Russia to participate in the summit, marking his first trip to the country in over two years.
His visit has faced criticism from Ukraine. Mr. Putin emphasized Russia’s close partnerships during discussions yesterday with leaders such as President Xi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
President Xi commended China’s “deep” relations with Russia in what he described as a “chaotic” world.
According to President Xi, the relationship between Russia and China has significantly propelled the development and modernization of both nations.
Mr. Putin indicated that he views the ties between Moscow and Beijing as a cornerstone of global “stability.”
Russia is determined not to let the Ukraine conflict overshadow the summit.
Leaders gather at the BRICS summit in Kazan.
Security is heightened in Kazan for the summit.
The Tatarstan region, located about 1,000km from the Ukraine border, has previously faced drone attacks from Kyiv.
Despite this, Moscow is focused on ensuring the summit proceeds without disruptions and is extending a warm welcome to arriving dignitaries.
Delegations were greeted by women in traditional Tatar attire, who presented them with sweet pastries made from flour and honey.
Since its inception in 2009 with four members—Brazil, Russia, India, and China—BRICS has expanded to include other emerging economies such as South Africa, Egypt, and Iran. Reinforcing his vision of the group as a challenge to Western dominance, Putin plans to have separate discussions with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
He is also scheduled to meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkey, a NATO member, is positioning itself as a potential mediator between Russia and Ukraine.
Mr. Guterres will engage in discussions with Mr. Putin tomorrow, focusing on the Ukraine conflict, according to Russian sources.
Ukraine expresses outrage over the UN Chief’s visit.
Ukraine has condemned Mr. Guterres’ trip.
“The UN Secretary General rejected Ukraine’s invitation to the first Global Peace Summit in Switzerland, yet accepted Putin’s invitation to Kazan,” stated the foreign ministry on X.
The UN Secretary General declined Ukraine’s invitation to the first Global Peace Summit in Switzerland. However, he accepted the invitation to Kazan from war criminal Putin. This is a misguided decision that does not promote peace and undermines the UN’s reputation.
— MFA of Ukraine (@MFA_Ukraine) October 21, 2024
The spokesperson for the UN chief clarified that the visit is part of his regular attendance at “organizations with significant member states.”
They noted it presents an opportunity to “reaffirm his established positions” regarding the Ukraine conflict and the “conditions for just peace.”
India expresses readiness to act as a peacemaker.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi embraces Vladimir Putin.
Mr. Modi, positioning himself as a potential mediator, called for a swift resolution to the conflict during his discussions with Mr. Putin yesterday.
“We have been in continuous dialogue about the situation between Russia and Ukraine,” Mr. Modi stated after warmly greeting Mr. Putin with an embrace.
“We believe that disputes should only be resolved peacefully. We fully support initiatives to swiftly restore peace and stability,” the Indian leader added.
India has navigated a delicate path since the onset of the Ukraine conflict, extending humanitarian aid to Ukraine while refraining from overtly condemning Russia’s actions.
This year, Russia has made significant advances on the battlefield in eastern Ukraine, strengthening ties with countries such as China, Iran, and North Korea.
Mr. Putin has welcomed offers from BRICS leaders to mediate in the Ukraine situation, informing them that Russian forces are making progress on the frontlines.
Numerous nations have “expressed a desire to play a more active role,” according to Russian spokesperson Dmitry Peskov during the summit.
In private consultations with other leaders, Mr. Putin also emphasized “the very positive dynamics for the Russian armed forces on the front,” as stated by Mr. Peskov.
