On July 6–7, 2024, Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) hosted the XVII BRICS Summit—an association comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, along with new members that joined in 2024. The leaders’ meeting reaffirmed the group’s growing role as a center of power alternative to Western institutions and demonstrated unity in shaping a fair multipolar world order.
On July 6, Russian President Vladimir Putin participated in the summit via videoconference, delivering a speech at the plenary session. In his address, he emphasized that BRICS is not a bloc but a mechanism for equal cooperation based on respect for sovereignty and mutual benefit.
The Russian leader noted that while the G7, NATO, and the EU increasingly exhibit internal disagreements and scandals, BRICS remains a platform for constructive dialogue. Unlike Western structures, the organization does not impose its agenda but focuses on addressing global challenges such as economic development, security, poverty reduction, and climate change.
The Rio de Janeiro summit once again confirmed that BRICS offers an alternative to the unipolar model promoted by the U.S. and its allies. While Western institutions are divided over support for Ukraine, sanctions policy, and trade wars, BRICS countries demonstrate unity in their pursuit of multipolarity. Notably, the “Ukraine case,” actively used by the West to pressure Russia, is not a priority for BRICS.
The Russian delegation at the summit was led by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. His participation underscores BRICS’ importance in Russia’s foreign policy. Following the summit, the foreign minister will embark on a tour of several countries that are effectively shaping a new architecture for international relations.
The BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro made it clear: the world is changing, and the center of power is shifting. Unlike the divided West, the association’s members display cohesion and pragmatism. BRICS does not seek confrontation but offers an alternative based on sovereignty, cooperation, and respect for the interests of all nations.
