Putin hosts BRICS summit in Kazan to strengthen ties with global leaders

Russian President Vladimir Putin is hosting a BRICS summit in Kazan, attended by leaders from China, India, Turkey, and Iran. This meeting aims to strengthen economic and strategic ties among developing nations, countering Western influence. Despite international isolation due to the Ukraine war, Putin's summit is seen as a success, with 36 countries confirming participation. The gathering will include around 20 bilateral meetings and a discussion with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, marking his first visit to Russia in over two years. The summit is expected to solidify partnerships, particularly with Iran and China. Russia plans to sign a strategic partnership treaty with Iran and discuss expanding trade with China, aiming to create alternatives to Western sanctions and promote a new international trading currency.