Isolated by the West due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir V. Putin achieved a diplomatic milestone on Tuesday by hosting leaders from China, India, and South Africa at a summit of emerging market nations aimed at rebalancing global power dynamics currently dominated by the United States.
Despite travel restrictions stemming from an International Criminal Court arrest warrant, Mr. Putin positioned himself as a global statesman by welcoming prominent figures such as Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with ceremonial honors in Kazan.
Mr. Xi’s arrival was marked by an escort from a Russian fighter jet and a traditional welcome featuring an honor guard and local delicacies. The summit is described as possibly the most significant international event in Russia since the onset of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022.
During the meetings, Mr. Putin emphasized the importance of Russia-China cooperation in stabilizing global affairs, referring to Mr. Xi as a “dear friend.” The summit will also see discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.
Ukraine has criticized Mr. Guterres's planned meeting with Mr. Putin, suggesting it undermines the portrayal of Russia as a global pariah. Analysts note that the presence of numerous leaders at the summit indicates that Russia is not as isolated as the West suggests, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has become an accepted aspect of international relations.
The BRICS coalition, which originally included Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has expanded this year to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. This coalition represents nearly half of the world’s population and over 35 percent of global economic output based on purchasing power.
Despite the diplomatic engagements, Mr. Putin remains under scrutiny regarding the Ukraine conflict. Prime Minister Modi expressed his commitment to peaceful resolutions, reflecting India's balancing act between the two nations. India's economic ties with Russia, particularly through oil purchases, have been a point of contention amidst international sanctions.
While some nations within BRICS aim to challenge U.S. dominance, others prioritize reforming global financial institutions to better address the needs of developing countries. However, analysts warn that the increased membership may complicate consensus-building within the group.
A central focus of the summit is the development of an alternative global payments system akin to the SWIFT network, which Russia was excluded from following its invasion of Ukraine. Discussions are also underway to welcome additional countries into a new “partner” category that would allow for less stringent involvement.
Experts caution that the summit's activities may be more symbolic than impactful, arguing that while BRICS nations have provided economic support to Russia, it is insufficient for a decisive victory in Ukraine due to ongoing challenges with resources and military effectiveness.
Kazan, located approximately 800 miles from the Ukrainian front line, has experienced security concerns, including long-range drone attacks. As a precaution, security measures in Kazan are notably strict, with educational institutions closed and city movement restricted during the summit.