The Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is leveraging the ongoing BRICS summit for two straightforward objectives. He aims to weaken Western nations and Ukraine, as reported by the British publication Telegraph.
The media notes that leaders from around 20 countries have gathered in Kazan, Russia, and the summit itself is referred to as a "diplomatic coup" for the Russian leader. The fact that this summit is taking place indicates that the head of Russia is not being shunned as an international pariah; rather, he is seen as a moderator for a meeting of states that represent half of the world's population and about 30% of the global economy.
Reports suggest that Putin is using the BRICS summit with a clear aim: he seeks to demonstrate that he is not isolated and is prepared to continue diminishing Western influence. At the same time, Russia faces a significant challenge, as there are countries within this intergovernmental organization that cannot reach agreements among themselves for various reasons.
Such countries include China and India, Saudi Arabia and Iran, as well as Egypt and Ethiopia. These nations will not be able to meet "face to face" and negotiate serious matters, unlike representatives of the G7. This could indicate, according to journalists, that the BRICS summit might indeed undermine Putin's expansionist ambitions.
"Despite this, the current summit is of great significance for the balance of global power and the future of Ukraine," the journalists state.
They are also convinced that a victory for Donald Trump in the upcoming U.S. presidential elections would have serious implications for Ukraine. There is a strong possibility that he would express a desire to halt support for Kyiv in its defense against Russian aggression.
The media adds that particular outrage should be directed at the invitation extended to UN Secretary-General António Guterres to attend the summit in Kazan. Moreover, the presence of several countries that have ratified the Rome Statute, which requires the arrest of Putin under an ICC warrant, highlights the inability to apply international law to the Russian leader.
"[But] the most brazen aspect is how the Russian leader portrays himself as a representative of post-colonialism, even while hosting a summit in an ancient khanate annexed by Russia (the journalists refer to Kazan, which Moscow conquered in 1556 — ed). Furthermore, what else is the attempt to occupy Ukraine if not an imperialist venture?" the journalists rhetorically assert.
Recall that on October 20, Brazilian President Lula da Silva canceled his trip to Russia for the BRICS summit. He attributed his absence to medical advice recommending that he refrain from flying.