Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday touted the creation of a new “multipolar world order” at the BRICS summit, a gathering of world leaders aimed at demonstrating that Western attempts to isolate Moscow over its offensive in Ukraine have failed.
The meeting in the city of Kazan is the largest diplomatic forum in Russia since Putin ordered troops into Ukraine in 2022, triggering a barrage of Western sanctions and international condemnation.
Around 20 leaders, including those from China, India, Turkey, and Iran, are gathering in Kazan to address topics such as developing a BRICS-led international payment system and the conflict in the Middle East.
Moscow views the platform as an alternative to Western-led international organizations like the G7, a position supported by key ally Chinese President Xi Jinping.
“The process of forming a multipolar world order is underway—a dynamic and irreversible process,” Putin said at the official opening of the summit.
The BRICS organization is "strengthening its authority in international affairs," Putin noted, as he called on its members to consider how they could address the most pressing issues on the global agenda, including "acute regional conflicts."
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres arrived in Russia on Wednesday to attend the summit, marking his first visit to the country in over two years, which has drawn scorn from Ukraine.
Putin hailed Moscow's close ties and "strategic partnerships" with its allies during talks on Tuesday with leaders including Xi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Xi, meanwhile, praised China's “profound” ties with Russia in what he described as a “chaotic” world.
The relations between Russia and China have "injected strong impetus into the development, revitalization, and modernization of the two countries," Xi said.
Putin characterized the relationship between Beijing and Moscow as a foundation for global “stability.”
Ukraine Conflict
Security in Kazan is tight around the summit, as AFP journalists at the venue reported.
The surrounding Tatarstan region, located about 1,000 kilometers from the Ukraine border, has previously been targeted in drone attacks launched by Kyiv.
However, Moscow is determined not to let the conflict overshadow the summit and is laying out a warm welcome for the arriving leaders.
Women wearing traditional Tatar costumes greeted the arriving delegations, who were offered sweet Tatar pastries made from flour and honey.
Starting in 2009 with four members—Brazil, Russia, India, and China—BRICS has since expanded to include other emerging nations such as South Africa, Egypt, and Iran.
Underpinning his vision of the group as a challenge to the West, Putin will hold separate talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Wednesday.
He will also meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Turkey, a NATO member, is positioning itself as a possible mediator between Russia and Ukraine while striving for warm relations with Moscow.
Guterres will hold talks with Putin on Thursday, where the pair will discuss the Ukraine conflict, the Kremlin said.
Modi Calls for Peace
Modi, who is also positioning himself as a potential peacemaker, called for a quick resolution to the conflict during talks with Putin on Tuesday.
"We have been in constant touch over the conflict between Russia and Ukraine," Modi told Putin after they shook hands and embraced.
"We believe that disputes should only be resolved peacefully. We fully support efforts to quickly restore peace and stability," the Indian leader added.
India has navigated a delicate path since the onset of the Ukraine conflict, pledging humanitarian support for Kyiv while avoiding explicit condemnation of Moscow's actions.
Moscow has been steadily advancing on the battlefield in eastern Ukraine this year as it strengthens ties with countries like China, Iran, and North Korea.
(With AFP)
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