Russia is trying to use the BRICS summit, which is being held in Kazan from October 22 to 24, to strengthen its international ties with countries outside the Western world, as well as to conclude trade deals and create mechanisms to help support its military operations in Ukraine, despite the sanctions pressure from the West. Such conclusions are given in the analytical reports Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
At the summit, which brought together 36 world leaders, including from China, India, South Africa and Iran, Russia is actively trying to strengthen military and economic partnerships to soften the impact of Western sanctions and continue its military operations in Ukraine.
One of the key moments of the summit was the meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, during which both leaders confirmed the importance of multilateral relations between their countries. Xi emphasized the importance of BRICS as a platform for global strategic cooperation. Putin also held talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, discussing the development of a multipolar world order and the possibility of using national currencies in mutual trade transactions.
In his statements, Modi emphasized the need for a peaceful settlement of the war in Ukraine as soon as possible and confirmed India’s readiness to act as a mediator in this process. At the same time, Indian Foreign Minister Vikram Misri said that India has already returned 85 of its citizens who were forcibly recruited into the Russian army to participate in the war in Ukraine, and that during the summit, Modi plans to discuss with Putin the return of 20 more Indians.
The BRICS summit gives Russia an opportunity not only to demonstrate its diplomatic ties, but also to look for new tools to support its military operations, despite global isolation and sanctions pressure.
