Summary
- Russia highlights its increasing influence within BRICS.
- BRICS partners urge Putin to pursue peace in Ukraine.
- Putin establishes conditions for any potential ceasefire.
- BRICS nations represent 35% of the global economy.
- BRICS summit coincides with meetings of the IMF and World Bank.
KAZAN, Russia, Oct 22 (Reuters) – As Russia hosts the BRICS summit, it aims to highlight the increasing influence of the non-Western bloc. However, partners from China, India, Brazil, and the Arab nations are urging President Vladimir Putin to seek a resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The BRICS coalition now represents 45% of the world’s population and accounts for 35% of the global economy, measured by purchasing power parity. Notably, China contributes over half of this economic strength, underscoring its significant role within the group.
In light of his controversial standing in the West, where he is labeled a war criminal, Putin addressed reporters from BRICS nations, emphasizing that “BRICS does not put itself into opposition to anyone.” He framed the shifting dynamics of global growth as an undeniable reality.
Putin described BRICS as an association of states united by common values and a shared vision for development. He stressed the importance of respecting each other’s interests, reflecting a commitment to cooperative engagement.
The summit coincides with the gathering of global finance leaders in Washington, set against a backdrop of ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. Additionally, there are growing concerns regarding the sluggish Chinese economy and the potential for new trade tensions linked to the upcoming U.S. presidential election.
During the summit, Putin faced numerous inquiries from BRICS journalists regarding the potential for a ceasefire in Ukraine. These questions highlighted the urgency of the situation and the expectations of BRICS members for a diplomatic resolution.
Despite the calls for peace, the Russian leader laid down specific conditions for any ceasefire, indicating that negotiations would require careful consideration of Russia’s interests. This stance underscores the complexities involved in reaching an agreement.
The ongoing discussions reflect not only the geopolitical challenges facing BRICS but also the internal dynamics of the group. As major economies within BRICS navigate their relationships with Western powers, their collective actions will be closely watched.
In summary, while Russia seeks to showcase the strength and unity of BRICS, the pressing need for a peaceful resolution in Ukraine remains a central issue. The responses from partner nations will likely shape the future direction of the coalition and its role in global affairs.
The outcome of this summit may have significant implications, not just for BRICS, but for the broader landscape of international relations, as nations reevaluate their strategies in a changing world.
PUTIN SAYS HE WILL NOT GIVE UP SEIZED PARTS OF UKRAINE
President Vladimir Putin firmly stated that Russia will not relinquish the four regions of eastern Ukraine that it claims as part of its territory. Despite some areas still being contested, he emphasized that Moscow’s long-term security interests in Europe must be taken into account.
Two sources within Russia indicated that discussions about a potential ceasefire are becoming more frequent. However, they noted that no concrete agreements have been reached yet, with the world awaiting the outcome of the upcoming U.S. presidential election on November 5.
Currently, Russia controls about one-fifth of Ukraine, which includes Crimea—a region it seized and unilaterally annexed in 2014. Additionally, Moscow holds approximately 80% of the Donbas region, which consists of the Donetsk and Luhansk areas, as well as over 70% of the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions.
Putin expressed confidence that the West has come to terms with the idea of a Russian victory. Nonetheless, he stated he is open to negotiations based on the draft ceasefire agreements that were initially discussed in Istanbul in April 2022.
In a notable diplomatic move, Putin engaged in informal discussions with United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the eve of the BRICS summit. Their talks extended late into the night at Putin’s residence in Novo-Ogaryovo, near Moscow.
These discussions with the UAE leader underscore Russia’s efforts to strengthen ties with non-Western nations amid its ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The BRICS summit presents a platform for Moscow to showcase its alliances while navigating the complexities of international relations.
As the situation evolves, the prospects for a ceasefire remain uncertain. The internal dynamics within Russia and the responses of its allies will play a crucial role in shaping future negotiations.
Moreover, Putin’s statements signal that any discussions regarding peace will need to align with Russia’s strategic interests. This insistence on control over the contested regions complicates the path to a potential resolution.
The international community continues to watch closely, as developments in Ukraine could have broader implications for global security and stability. The interplay between Russia’s ambitions and the reactions of Western powers will remain a focal point of analysis.
While Putin stands firm on retaining control over the seized territories, the ongoing dialogue among nations may influence the future of the conflict. The outcomes of both the BRICS summit and the U.S. elections could significantly impact the trajectory of these discussions.
XI AND MODI ATTENDING SUMMIT, ILLNESS KEEPS LULA AWAY
Russian President Vladimir Putin has lauded the mediation efforts of Sheikh Mohammed of the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman regarding the Ukraine conflict. Although Crown Prince Mohammed will not be attending the summit in Kazan, Sheikh Mohammed assured Putin of his commitment to continue working towards resolving crises and promoting peace.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are set to attend the summit, bringing significant representation from two of the largest BRICS nations. In contrast, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has canceled his trip due to medical advice following a head injury that resulted in a minor brain hemorrhage.
The term BRIC was first introduced in 2001 by Jim O’Neill, then chief economist at Goldman Sachs, in a paper highlighting the enormous growth potential of Brazil, Russia, India, and China throughout the 21st century. This initial grouping has since evolved into BRICS, which now includes South Africa, as well as new members like Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE, though Saudi Arabia has yet to formally join.
As the BRICS coalition expands, its share of global GDP is projected to increase significantly. By the end of the decade, BRICS is expected to account for approximately 37% of the world’s GDP, while the share held by the G7 nations is anticipated to decrease from 30% to around 28%, according to the International Monetary Fund.
Russia is actively promoting the idea of creating an alternative international payments system among BRICS nations, aiming to reduce reliance on Western financial mechanisms and shield member states from sanctions. This initiative reflects Russia’s strategic pivot towards strengthening ties with non-Western allies.
However, internal divisions within BRICS pose challenges to this vision. For example, while China and India are major purchasers of Russian oil, their bilateral relations are complex and often strained. Additionally, tensions exist between Arab nations and Iran, creating a nuanced diplomatic landscape.
Despite these challenges, the attendance of Xi and Modi at the summit indicates a commitment to collaboration among BRICS members. Their participation underscores the importance of fostering solidarity in the face of global economic shifts and geopolitical tensions.
The absence of Lula, due to health concerns, is a notable gap at the summit. Brazil’s role in BRICS is significant, and his participation would have added another layer of diplomatic engagement to the discussions.
As the summit unfolds, the focus will likely be on fostering cooperation among member nations while addressing the internal complexities that could impact collective goals. The dynamics between established and emerging economies within BRICS will continue to shape its future.
The upcoming BRICS summit presents both opportunities and challenges for member nations. As Russia seeks to position BRICS as a counterbalance to Western influence, the varying interests and relationships among its members will play a crucial role in determining the effectiveness of their collective initiatives.
