Putin advocates for multipolar world order at BRICS summit in Kazan

Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized the creation of a “multipolar world order” at the BRICS summit in Kazan on Wednesday.

The gathering of world leaders is seen as a demonstration that Western efforts to isolate Moscow over its 2022 Ukraine offensive have not succeeded.

The gathering of world leaders is seen as that Western efforts to isolate Moscow over its 2022 Ukraine offensive have not fully succeeded.

BRICS forum: Platform for alternative global order

The summit in Kazan, which brings together leaders from around 20 nations including China, India, Türkiye, and Iran, is the largest diplomatic event in Russia since the invasion of Ukraine. Putin underscored the role of BRICS as an alternative to Western-led organizations, like the G-7, and called on members to address global issues, including regional conflicts.

“The process of forming a multipolar world order is underway, a dynamic and irreversible process,” Putin stated during the summit’s opening. BRICS, he added, is gaining authority in international affairs.

Strategic partnerships and global tensions

Putin highlighted Russia’s strong ties with its partners during talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Xi praised the “profound” relations between Russia and China, while Putin pointed to their partnership as a foundation of global stability. Amid tight security, Kazan hosted delegations with traditional Tatar welcomes.

The summit will focus on economic initiatives such as developing a BRICS-led international payment system.

Ukraine conflict in focus

Despite the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, Moscow is intent on not allowing the war to overshadow the summit. Putin is scheduled to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has cast Türkiye as a possible mediator in the conflict.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also arrived in Russia for the summit and will hold talks with Putin, focusing on the Ukraine war.

India’s Prime Minister Modi called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict during discussions with Putin, reinforcing India’s stance on diplomatic solutions while maintaining neutrality.