On October 22, 2024, President Vladimir Putin hosted a BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, to highlight the bloc's strength amid the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
The meeting attended by key BRICS leaders, including China's Xi Jinping and India's Narendra Modi, was the first face-to-face meeting since the organization's expansion.
With BRICS now representing 45% of the global population and 35% of its economy, leaders from China, India, Brazil, and Arab countries are gathering to discuss strategies against Western economic dominance.
Putin described BRICS as an alliance committed to common interests and values, stating, "This is an association of countries that work together based on a common vision of development."
However, the insistence of other leaders to resolve the war in Ukraine shows the complex situation in this organization, with China and India stressing the need for peace.
Although Russia has experienced isolation from the West due to the invasion of Ukraine, Putin insists that the West is beginning to recognize Russia's resilience.
He reiterated that Russia would not withdraw from eastern Ukraine, making it difficult for a ceasefire to be held.
The discussion also touched on global economic challenges, including tensions in the Middle East and concerns about China's collapsing economy.
The BRICS countries are still actively exploring alternative financial networks to reduce dependence on the Western economic system.
However, differing opinions among members in this group may delay efforts to reach an agreement, raising doubts and questions about the effectiveness of this pact in the future.
