Putin Hosts BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to host a significant BRICS summit in Kazan, aiming to showcase Russia's alliances despite Western sanctions and isolation following its invasion of Ukraine. The summit, which will take place from October 22 to 24, includes leaders from emerging economies such as China, India, and Turkey, and seeks to challenge Western dominance in global affairs. Moscow touts the event as a diplomatic triumph, with over 32 countries confirming attendance, and discussions will focus on creating a BRICS-led payment system to rival SWIFT, which Russia was cut off from in 2022. Analysts suggest this gathering serves both as a platform for Putin to solidify ties with allies and as a counter-narrative to Western perceptions of Russia as a pariah. The U.S. remains skeptical of BRICS's potential as a geopolitical rival but is wary of Moscow's growing influence amid ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. This summit marks the largest diplomatic event hosted by Russia since the Ukraine conflict began, illustrating Moscow's endeavor to reinforce its global partnerships.