UN Secretary-General António Guterres has arrived at the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, despite previous unfulfilled promises from President Vladimir Putin regarding peace in Ukraine. Guterres aims to reiterate his stance on the conflict, advocating for peace under the UN Charter. Previously, Putin had expressed optimism about negotiations with Ukraine, yet official talks have not resumed, and the conflict remains unresolved.
Amidst the summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has offered to mediate between Russia and Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russian public opinion reflects a complex stance; while President Putin maintains significant support, many Russians express dissatisfaction with certain Kremlin policies, including the war in Ukraine.
Military developments continue to unfold, with Russia claiming to have intercepted Ukrainian drones over Crimea and the Black Sea. Additionally, reports suggest Russian forces have reoccupied a small village in Donetsk, highlighting ongoing territorial disputes.
On the diplomatic front, tensions between Germany and Russia have risen due to the establishment of a Baltic Sea Command in Rostock, prompting diplomatic exchanges.
North Korea's potential involvement in the conflict has raised international concerns, with South Korea planning to brief NATO on possible troop deployments to support Russia.
Financially, the EU and the USA are preparing significant loans to support Ukraine, with the EU planning an 18 billion euro contribution. This financial aid aims to bolster Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia.
As the BRICS summit progresses, the discussions between Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping underscore the geopolitical complexities at play, with both leaders addressing their concerns over Western policies. However, the specifics of these discussions remain undisclosed.
