Putin Addresses BRICS Summit Amidst Arrest Warrant and Trade Tensions

Russian President Vladimir Putin was shown on a screen during the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 6, 2025. He addressed the summit remotely.

Putin's virtual participation was due to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court, which accuses him of war crimes in Ukraine. Moscow has dismissed the warrant as baseless.

BRICS, initially conceived by Goldman Sachs to highlight the economic growth of major emerging markets, now represents 45% of the global population. Putin stated that the model of liberal globalization is becoming outdated and that the center of business activity is shifting towards emerging markets. He urged BRICS nations to enhance cooperation in areas such as natural resources, logistics, trade, and finance.

The five original BRICS members – Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa – collectively account for over $28 trillion in nominal Gross Domestic Product. While the Group of Seven countries account for over $51 trillion, China contributes significantly to BRICS' economic influence, representing more than 60% of the combined clout.

Following the summit, China responded to US President Donald Trump's threat of tariffs on countries aligning with BRICS. China emphasized that BRICS does not seek confrontation and is not aimed at any specific country. Trump had previously announced his intention to impose additional tariffs on countries that did not reach trade agreements. He also threatened further tariffs on nations aligning with BRICS, accusing them of "anti-Americanism."

BRICS, originally envisioned as a platform for rapidly growing economies, has evolved into a group viewed by some as a Chinese-led counterbalance to the influence of the United States and Western Europe. Beijing has defended the group as a platform for cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries, promoting openness, inclusivity, and win-win cooperation.