Will Putin Attend the Next BRICS Summit? Analyzing Russia's Role and Global Implications
The question of whether Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend the next BRICS summit is a significant one, fraught with geopolitical implications. Russian President Vladimir Putin has championed BRICS to thumb his nose at the West whose sanctions after his full-scale invasion of Ukraine have battered his country. His presence, or absence, sends a strong message to the world.
P resident Vladimir Putin will play host to Russia’s biggest gathering of world leaders since the invasion of Ukraine and use the BRICS summit to show the U.S. and its allies that Russia still holds significant global influence. This year's summit, however, raises complex questions about international law and cooperation, especially considering the International Criminal Court's (ICC) warrant for Putin's arrest.
BRICS 2024 Summit in Russia: A Key Event
The leaders of the world’s top emerging economies arrived at the western Russian city of Kazan where president Vladimir Putin is hosting the 16th Brics summit, the first under Russia's chairmanship this year. This summit is particularly noteworthy, serving as a platform for Russia to demonstrate its diplomatic capabilities and foster relationships with key emerging economies. Discussions are expected to cover a range of topics, from economic cooperation to global security.
South Africa's Stance and Future BRICS Summits
The past concerns regarding Putin's attendance at the South African BRICS summit highlight the ongoing challenges. South Africa's Department of International Relations hosted a press briefing on Thursday in Johannesburg, following the announcement that Russian President Vladimir Putin would not be attending physically, but participating remotely. This sets a precedent that future host nations might need to consider.
The next summit location and the evolving geopolitical landscape will heavily influence whether Putin can, or will, attend in person. Factors like international arrest warrants and the political climate in the host country will play crucial roles in the decision-making process. In 2023 a few hours back, Ukrainian Nobel peace prize winner, Oleksandra Romantsova asked South African regulators not to allow Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend the summit, demonstrating the strong feelings that exist in some quarters.
Looking Ahead: Xi Jinping and BRICS Expansion
The role of other BRICS nations is also vital. For example, 14 de sept. de 2025 Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) is to visit Russia next month for a summit of the BRICS bloc of developing economies, Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi announced, indicating China's strong support for the BRICS alliance. The potential expansion of BRICS, with new members joining, will further reshape the dynamics of the group and influence future summit participation.
Ultimately, the question of Putin's attendance at future BRICS summits remains a complex and evolving issue, shaped by international law, geopolitical considerations, and the internal dynamics of the BRICS alliance.