Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomes US presidential candidate Donald Trump’s comments on ending the Ukraine conflict as “sincere” during the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia.
Putin warned the West that defeating Moscow on the battlefield was an “illusion” and emphasized the need to recognize Russia’s control over Ukrainian territory in any peace deal. Trump’s skepticism towards US aid to Ukraine and his promise to end the conflict quickly if elected have been viewed positively by Putin.
Leaders of 36 countries, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, attended the summit, highlighting the failure of US efforts to isolate Russia over Ukraine. Putin expressed willingness to consider peace initiatives but insisted on acknowledging the “realities on the ground” controlled by Russian forces in Ukraine.
The meeting also saw UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calling for a just peace in Ukraine and an immediate halt to conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and Sudan. Criticism arose over Guterres’ meeting with Putin, with Russian opposition figure Yulia Navalnaya condemning the UN Secretary-General’s actions.
World leaders at the summit urged an end to wars in the Middle East, with Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasizing the need for BRICS countries to promote peace and stability.