Russia aims for the BRICS summit to highlight the increasing influence of the non-Western world. However, its partners from China, India, Brazil, and the Arab nations are pressing President Vladimir Putin to seek a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.

The BRICS coalition now represents 45% of the global population and 35% of the world economy, measured by purchasing power parity, with China contributing more than half of this economic strength.

Portrayed by the West as a war criminal, Putin remarked to reporters from BRICS countries that “BRICS does not position itself against anyone,” emphasizing that the changes in global growth dynamics are an undeniable reality. He described the group as a coalition of nations collaborating based on shared values, a unified vision for development, and, crucially, the principle of respecting each other’s interests.

The BRICS summit is occurring concurrently with a gathering of global finance leaders in Washington, amidst ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, a struggling Chinese economy, and concerns that the upcoming U.S. presidential election may trigger new trade disputes.

During the summit, President Putin faced numerous inquiries from BRICS journalists regarding the potential for a ceasefire in Ukraine.

Russia would not relinquish control over the four regions in eastern Ukraine

In response, Putin stated that Russia would not relinquish control over the four regions in eastern Ukraine that it claims as part of its territory, despite some areas still being outside its grasp. He emphasized the need for Russia’s long-term security interests to be considered in Europe.

Two sources from Russia indicated that while discussions about a possible ceasefire are increasing in Moscow, no concrete agreements have been reached yet, and the international community is awaiting the outcome of the U.S. presidential election on November 5.

Russia is currently advancing and controls approximately 20% of Ukraine, which includes Crimea, a territory it seized and annexed in 2014. Additionally, it holds around 80% of the Donbas region, which encompasses the Donetsk and Luhansk areas, as well as over 70% of the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions.

President Putin stated that the West has come to recognize Russia’s impending victory, while expressing his willingness to engage in discussions based on the draft ceasefire agreements established in Istanbul in April 2022.

Xi Jinping and Modi set to attend, Lula canceled his trip

On the eve of the BRICS summit, Putin held informal discussions with United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at his residence in Novo-Ogaryovo, which lasted until midnight.

Putin commended both Sheikh Mohammed and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who will not be attending the summit in Kazan, for their efforts in mediating the situation in Ukraine. Sheikh Mohammed assured Putin, “We will continue to work in this direction and are prepared to make every effort to resolve crises in the interest of peace for both parties.”

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are set to attend the summit, while Brazilian President Luiz Inacio 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 research paper highlighting the significant growth potential of Brazil, Russia, India, and China in the 21st century. Over time, Russia, India, and China began to meet more formally, eventually incorporating Brazil, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, while Saudi Arabia has yet to officially join.

BRICS is projected to increase its share of global GDP to 37% by the end of this decade, while the Group of Seven major Western economies is expected to see its share decrease from 30% this year to approximately 28%, as reported by the International Monetary Fund. Russia is actively working to persuade BRICS nations to establish an alternative international payment system that would be resistant to Western sanctions.

However, significant divisions exist within BRICS. China and India, the largest buyers of Russian oil, have strained relations, and tensions persist between Arab countries and Iran.