Putin touts 'multipolar world order' at BRICS summit

Russian President Vladimir Putin has touted the creation of a new "multipolar world order" at the BRICS summit, a gathering of world leaders he hopes will show that Western attempts to isolate Russia over its Ukraine invasion have failed.

The meeting in the city of Kazan is the largest diplomatic forum in Russia since Mr Putin ordered troops into Ukraine in 2022, triggering a barrage of Western sanctions and international condemnation.

Around 20 leaders, including from China, India, Turkey and Iran, are gathering in the central city of Kazan, where they will address topics, such as developing a BRICS-led international payment system and the conflict in the Middle East.

Russia sees the platform as an alternative to Western-led international organisations like the G7- a position supported by key ally Chinese President Xi Jinping.

"The process of forming a multipolar world order is underway, a dynamic and irreversible process," Mr Putin said at the summit's official opening. The BRICS organisation was "strengthening its authority in international affairs," he said.

He called on its members to consider how they could address the most pressing issues on the global agenda, including "acute regional conflicts".

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres arrived in Russia to attend the summit, his first visit to the country for more than two years.

His arrival has drawn scorn from Ukraine. Mr Putin hailed Russia's close ties and "strategic partnerships" with its partners during talks yesterday with leaders including President Xi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

President Xi, meanwhile, praised China's "profound" ties with Russia in what he called a "chaotic" world.

Russia and China's relations have "injected strong impetus into the development, revitalisation and modernisation of the two countries," President Xi said.

Mr Putin said he saw relations between Beijing and China as a foundation of global "stability".

Russia not letting Ukraine conflict overshadow summit

Security in Kazan is tight around the summit.

The surrounding Tatarstan region, around 1,000km from the Ukraine border, has previously been hit in drone attacks launched by Kyiv.

But Moscow is intent on not letting the conflict overshadow the summit and is laying out a warm welcome for the arriving leaders.

Women wearing traditional Tatar costumes greeted the arriving delegations, who were offered sweet pastries made from flour and honey.

Starting in 2009 with four members -- Brazil, Russia, India and China - BRICS has since expanded to include other emerging nations such as South Africa, Egypt and Iran. Underpinning his vision of the group as a challenge to the West, Putin will hold separate talks with Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian and Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro.

He will also meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkey, a NATO member, is casting itself as a possible mediator between Russia and Ukraine.

Mr Guterres will hold talks with Mr Putin tomorrow, where the pair will discuss the Ukraine conflict, according to Russia.

Ukraine in uproar over UN Chief’s arrival

Ukraine has railed against Mr Guterres' trip.

"The UN Secretary General declined Ukraine's invitation to the first Global Peace Summit in Switzerland. He did, however, accept the invitation to Kazan from war criminal Putin," said its foreign ministry on X.

The UN chief's spokesperson said the trip was part of his regular attendance at "organisations with large numbers of important member states".

They said it offered a chance to "reaffirm his well-known positions" on the Ukraine conflict "and the "conditions for just peace".

India ready to play role of peacekeeper

Mr Modi, who is also casting himself as a possible peacemaker, called for a quick end to the conflict during talks with Mr Putin yesterday.

"We have been in constant touch over the conflict between Russia and Ukraine," Mr Modi told Mr Putin after the two shook hands and embraced.

"We believe that disputes should only be resolved peacefully. We totally support efforts to quickly restore peace and stability," the Indian leader added.

India has walked a tightrope since the Ukraine conflict began, pledging humanitarian support for Ukraine while avoiding explicit condemnation of Russia's actions.

Russia has been steadily advancing on the battlefield in eastern Ukraine this year as it strengthens ties with the likes of China, Iran and North Korea.

Mr Putin has welcomed offers by BRICS leaders to mediate in the Ukraine conflict and told them Moscow's forces were advancing on the battlefield.

Many countries "expressed a desire to contribute more actively" Russia’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters at the summit.

In private talks with other leaders, Mr Putin also highlighted "the very positive dynamics on the front for the Russian armed forces," Mr Peskov said.