UN chief’s potential visit to BRICS summit in Russia challenges narrative of Russia’s diplomatic isolation

The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres is expected to attend a BRICS summit 2024 this week in Kazan, Russia, contradicting the UN’s reproachful stance on Russia’s aggression, which demands that Russia “immediately cease its unlawful use of force against Ukraine.”

António Guterres has condemned Russia’s invasion as a breach of international law and demanded full respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. However, the UN was criticized for being too passive in resolving the conflict, particularly by allowing Russia’s veto power in the UN Security Council, which has paralyzed decisive actions related to Ukraine’s support. 

Guterres also did not attend the 2024 Global Peace Summit for Ukraine in Switzerland, in which 92 countries took part, however Russia was not invited. 

Telegraph argues that Putin may use this conference to demonstrate that Western efforts to isolate Moscow have been unsuccessful. The Russian leader’s ability to travel has been limited due to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC), making this domestic event particularly significant for him.

The ICC charges focus on the unlawful deportation and transfer of Ukrainian children from occupied territories to Russia, actions prohibited under international law. Alongside Putin, the ICC also issued a warrant for Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia’s Children’s Rights Commissioner, for her role in these deportations.

Guterres has not yet confirmed if he accepts the Russian invitation to attend the summit.

BRICS is an economic and political alliance comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. It aims to foster cooperation among emerging markets and challenge Western-dominated institutions like the IMF and World Bank.

BRICS summit, hosted by Putin on 22-23 October, is expected to bring together leaders from over 25 countries representing approximately half of the world’s population. Notable attendees include Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

This gathering marks the largest international summit in Russia since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. 

Türkiye, a NATO member, applied to join BRICS in September, aiming to expand its global alliances beyond the West. This move reflects Türkiye’s effort to diversify economic ties with countries like Russia and China and leverage its geopolitical position as a hub between Europe and Asia. 

Related:

• Bloomberg: Türkiye seeks BRICS membership, expanding alliances beyond West
• ICC issues arrest warrant for Putin over war crimes
• ISW: Putin’s peace rhetoric ahead of BRICS summit is smokescreen for Ukrainian capitulation demands
• China and Brazil push their peace plan for Ukraine, Zelenskyy dismisses it as pro-Moscow