Putin Hosts Expanded BRICS Summit in Kazan: New Members, Global Alliances, and Push for Alternative Payment Systems

October 21, 2024
Putin Hosts Expanded BRICS Summit in Kazan: New Members, Global Alliances, and Push for Alternative Payment Systems
  • Speculation surrounds potential discussions on a common currency or alternative payment mechanisms among BRICS nations to reduce reliance on foreign exchange.

  • This summit is significant for Putin, occurring two and a half years into the war with Ukraine, as he aims to project power despite the challenges posed by Western sanctions.

  • Gold is viewed as a stable asset for BRICS nations, helping to mitigate economic risks and protect against inflation.

  • From October 22 to 24, Putin will host a BRICS summit in Kazan, welcoming new members Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE to join the existing group of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

  • The timing of the summit is particularly strategic, coinciding with the upcoming U.S. elections, which may influence international relations and support for Ukraine.

  • While the U.S. has dismissed BRICS as a potential geopolitical rival, it remains wary of Russia's growing influence amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict.

  • Political analysts suggest the summit aims to demonstrate that Russia has allies, countering Western narratives of its isolation.

  • The Kremlin seeks to showcase its global alliances and negotiate economic deals, particularly with India and China, to bolster its economy and war efforts amid Western sanctions.

  • Experts note that despite the potential of BRICS, internal diversity poses challenges for cooperation, particularly regarding relations with the West.

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

  • The summit coincides with global financial discussions in Washington, amidst ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, and economic concerns in China.

  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that a Russian victory in Ukraine could embolden aggressors globally, highlighting the broader implications of the conflict.

Summary based on 44 sources


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