At the recent BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa came together to address pressing global crises, with a particular focus on escalating tensions in the Middle East and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a stark warning about the potential for full-scale war in the Middle East, as the situation between Israel and Iran threatens to spiral out of control. Putin’s appeal for a peaceful resolution highlighted the urgent need for stability in a region long plagued by conflict. At the same time, discussions were underway regarding the war in Ukraine, with calls from several BRICS leaders for Russia to move toward a resolution.

With the participation of more than 20 leaders, including China’s Xi Jinping, India’s Narendra Modi, and Turkey’s Tayyip Erdogan, the BRICS summit displayed Russia’s expanding influence beyond the Western world. The event also underscored the growing role of BRICS in shaping global political dynamics and underscored its relevance in a multipolar world. Throughout the discussions, there was an emphasis on the necessity of a unified approach to conflict resolution, peacekeeping, and sustainable development. In light of the volatile global situation, the Kazan summit further illuminated the ambitions and growing influence of BRICS nations, especially within the Middle East crisis.

Middle East Crisis and Global Peace Efforts

Putin’s remarks centered on the sharp rise in hostilities in the Middle East, particularly between Israel and Iran, which he described as putting the region “on the brink of a full-scale war.” This potential for conflict escalation has been linked to a series of retaliatory actions and long-standing tensions over territorial and ideological differences. Putin’s concerns were echoed by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who criticized international institutions, including the United Nations, for their ineffectiveness in preventing the violence. Pezeshkian emphasized the lack of decisive action from the U.N. Security Council, stating that it had failed in its mandate to secure peace and stability.

Chinese President Xi Jinping also contributed to the discussion, advocating for a comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza and a re-commitment to the two-state solution to resolve the Israel-Palestine conflict. The two-state solution, which envisions independent states for both Israel and Palestine within the 1967 borders, was widely supported by BRICS leaders as a means of addressing the deep-rooted issues that fuel the cycle of violence in the region. Putin reinforced this view, pointing out that without a recognized Palestinian state, the region would continue to face “historical injustice” and an “atmosphere of permanent crisis.” This stance by BRICS leaders reflects a broader consensus among the member nations on the need for peaceful solutions that honor historical grievances and strive for equitable outcomes.

The Ukraine Conflict and BRICS Peace Initiatives

Amid discussions on the Middle East, the war in Ukraine remained a pivotal topic at the summit. China’s Xi Jinping called for an immediate de-escalation of the situation, advocating for a “political settlement” in Ukraine. Xi suggested that China, alongside Brazil, could potentially play a mediating role in efforts to reach a peaceful resolution. This proposition was reinforced by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who shared similar sentiments and has previously supported peaceful negotiations in global conflicts.

The calls for peace were underscored by the presence of U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, who, despite criticism from Kyiv for attending a summit in Russia, called for an end to hostilities not only in Ukraine but also in Gaza, Lebanon, and Sudan. Guterres’ appeal for “a just peace” aligned with international law and U.N. General Assembly resolutions, underscoring the need for global cooperation to prevent further loss of life and to adhere to humanitarian principles. The joint efforts of BRICS leaders to address these critical issues highlight the bloc’s commitment to supporting peace through diplomatic engagement and multilateral cooperation.

Expanding BRICS and Support for the Global South

Beyond immediate conflicts, BRICS leaders discussed expanding the alliance to include more countries from the Global South. China’s Xi Jinping, in particular, championed the idea of broadening the bloc’s membership to include other emerging economies. India, which alongside China purchases around 90% of Russia’s oil, supported the notion of a more inclusive BRICS, seeing it as an opportunity to solidify a counterbalance to Western dominance in global affairs.

This expansion initiative aims to strengthen the geopolitical reach of BRICS and reinforce its relevance in a multipolar world. The proposal aligns with BRICS’ mission of advocating for the interests of the Global South, which has historically faced challenges of economic dependency and limited representation in international decision-making forums. The addition of new member states would not only amplify BRICS’ influence on the global stage but also support the goals of sustainable development and equitable economic growth for emerging nations.

The summit declaration affirmed the commitment of BRICS to support a sovereign Palestinian state and called for sustained international cooperation to address regional conflicts and economic disparities. Although Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi missed portions of the summit due to prior engagements, his presence reinforced India’s dedication to BRICS’ objectives. With Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar attending in his stead, India reiterated its support for expanding BRICS and promoting peace in the Middle East and Ukraine.

BRICS’ Growing Role in Global Conflict Resolution

The Kazan BRICS summit underscored the bloc’s growing role in addressing complex global issues, from the Middle East crisis to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Putin’s warning of a Middle Eastern “chain reaction” highlighted the urgency for international diplomacy to prevent further escalation, while Xi’s calls for political settlements in both Ukraine and the Middle East emphasized BRICS’ commitment to peaceful solutions. With the involvement of influential leaders, including U.N. Secretary-General Guterres, the summit showed BRICS’ willingness to act as a diplomatic bridge between the Global North and South.

As BRICS considers expansion to include more countries from the Global South, it stands poised to influence global governance and champion the causes of emerging economies. The Kazan summit demonstrated BRICS’ potential as a stabilizing force in international politics, advocating for peace, equitable development, and the right of nations to self-determination. The growing support for BRICS’ initiatives underscores the bloc’s capacity to address pressing global conflicts and shape a world order that is more balanced, inclusive, and resilient.