BRICS Summit Opens as Partners Press Putin on Ukraine Peace

The BRICS summit is convening as Russia faces increasing pressure from its partners to end the conflict in Ukraine, even as the group seeks to demonstrate the growing influence of non-Western economies. The expanded alliance now represents 45% of the world’s population and 35% of global GDP, with China accounting for more than half of its economic strength.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking to reporters ahead of the summit, emphasized that BRICS “does not put itself into opposition to anyone” and defended the group as an association of states working together based on shared values and mutual interests. However, he maintained a firm stance on Ukraine, refusing to relinquish control of four eastern regions Russia claims as its territory, despite not fully controlling them.

While there is growing discussion in Moscow about a potential ceasefire, Russian sources indicate that concrete progress awaits the outcome of the U.S. presidential election on November 5. Russia currently controls approximately one-fifth of Ukraine, including Crimea, 80% of the Donbas region, and significant portions of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson.

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The summit in Kazan will be attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, though Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva cancelled due to medical concerns. Prior to the meeting, Putin held lengthy discussions with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who expressed readiness to mediate peace efforts.

BRICS’ economic influence continues to grow, with IMF projections showing the group’s share of global GDP rising to 37% by 2030, while G7 economies are expected to decline to 28%. Russia is pushing for BRICS to establish an alternative international payments platform to circumvent Western sanctions.

However, the alliance faces internal challenges, including tensions between China and India, and strained relations between Arab nations and Iran. The summit coincides with global finance chiefs gathering in Washington amid multiple crises, including the Middle East conflict, Ukraine war, and concerns about China’s economic slowdown.

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