Putin is hosting a BRICS summit in Kazan from October 22-24, marking a significant expansion of the group with new members including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE.

The summit comes at a time when Western nations are concerned that Russia is using BRICS to influence narratives surrounding the Ukraine conflict and bolster its global standing.

Initially formed in 2009 with just four members, BRICS has grown to include several emerging economies, yet it faces internal divisions, particularly between India and China.

At the summit, Russia is advocating for a de-dollarized payment system, although China has expressed concerns that this ambition may be overly ambitious.

The U.S. remains skeptical about BRICS as a geopolitical rival, yet it is wary of Russia's diplomatic maneuvers amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict.

The Kremlin aims to showcase its global alliances and negotiate economic deals to strengthen its economy and military efforts in light of Western sanctions.

The timing of the summit is strategic, coinciding with the upcoming U.S. elections, which could shift American support for Ukraine.

Analysts view the summit as crucial for Russia to demonstrate its global relevance, although there are questions about the alignment of other nations with its anti-Western goals.

Despite presenting a united front, there are signs that Xi Jinping may be distancing himself from Putin regarding the Ukraine conflict, indicating a desire for neutrality.

Putin has criticized U.S. sanctions as counterproductive, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the global economy, particularly between China and the United States.

Recent military actions in Ukraine, including a missile attack in Zaporizhzhia, highlight the ongoing conflict's toll, with casualties and significant infrastructure damage.

Gold is being considered as a stable asset by BRICS nations to mitigate economic risks and protect against inflation, reflecting their economic strategies amid global uncertainties.