In a significant move aimed at showcasing global unity amid Western attempts to isolate Russia, BRICS leaders—led by Russian President Vladimir Putin—gathered for a summit in Kazan. Discussions focused heavily on the ongoing war in Ukraine and the future expansion of the BRICS group, a coalition initially conceptualized by Goldman Sachs two decades ago. The organization, which now represents 45% of the global population and 35% of the world economy, faces both opportunities and challenges as it contemplates further growth.
The summit brought together prominent leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. During the opening remarks, President Putin acknowledged the growing interest from over 30 countries in joining BRICS, while also emphasizing the need to maintain effectiveness amidst potential expansion. "It would be wrong to ignore the unprecedented interest of the countries of the Global South and East in strengthening contacts with BRICS," he said.
The war in Ukraine loomed large over the discussions. President Putin, dismissing allegations of war crimes against him, stated that any expansion of BRICS must balance geopolitical purpose with practical results. Indian Prime Minister Modi, speaking publicly, reiterated his desire for peace in Ukraine. President Xi, meanwhile, held private discussions with Putin concerning the conflict.
Russia currently controls significant portions of Ukraine, including Crimea, much of the Donbas region, and key territories in the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions. Despite international condemnation, Moscow has maintained that it will not relinquish these areas, insisting on a security framework that addresses its long-term interests in Europe.
A central topic in the summit was the potential for a negotiated peace in Ukraine. Proposals put forth by China and Brazil—seeking to gather support from developing countries at the United Nations—suggest a truce as a step toward resolution. However, Ukraine remains skeptical, viewing these proposals as favoring Moscow's position.
Despite these concerns, Putin expressed openness to the Chinese-Brazilian framework as a possible starting point for dialogue. He also acknowledged that separate peace proposals from Ukraine and Russia remain far apart, with both sides unwilling to compromise on core issues.
Beyond the Ukraine war, the BRICS leaders addressed the organization's future. According to Yuri Ushakov, Putin's foreign policy advisor, discussions included a list of 13 nations being considered for possible inclusion. Any expansion, Ushakov noted, must be carefully managed to ensure readiness and alignment with BRICS objectives. Countries like Egypt, Ethiopia, and the UAE have recently joined, while Saudi Arabia is still in discussions.
The final communiqué from the summit is expected to mention the peace proposals from China and Brazil, signaling BRICS' growing ambition to act as a global player capable of addressing major international conflicts. As the summit concludes, the group's leaders must navigate complex dynamics, both internal and external, as they work to foster economic cooperation and address geopolitical challenges.