KAZAN, Russia: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres arrived in Kazan, Russia, on Wednesday to attend the BRICS summit, marking his first visit to the country in over two years.
This high-profile diplomatic forum is the largest gathering in Russia since the onset of its military operations in Ukraine, and President Vladimir Putin aims to showcase his global partnerships amid international isolation.
The BRICS summit, attended by approximately 20 world leaders, including prominent figures from China, India, and Iran, will focus on developing a BRICS-led international payment system and addressing ongoing conflicts, including those in the Middle East. Russia and China view this gathering as a counterbalance to Western-dominated institutions like the G7, with Xi Jinping emphasizing the “profound” ties between China and Russia during bilateral discussions.
In the lead-up to the summit, Putin held talks with leaders from Iran and Venezuela, further solidifying strategic alliances while promoting a multipolar world order that challenges Western influence.
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Guterres is expected to meet with Putin on Thursday to discuss the Ukraine crisis, an engagement that has drawn criticism from Ukraine. The Ukrainian foreign ministry expressed discontent, noting Guterres declined an invitation to a peace summit in Switzerland but accepted one from what they label a “war criminal.”
During the summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated the importance of a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict, highlighting India’s delicate position as it balances humanitarian support for Ukraine while maintaining strong ties with Russia.
As the situation continues to evolve, Guterres’ participation in the BRICS summit is seen as an opportunity to reaffirm the UN’s stance on peace and stability amidst the ongoing tensions in Ukraine and the broader geopolitical landscape.
