President Vladimir Putin is preparing for the BRICS summit, which will take place in Kazan from October 22 to 24, seeking to use this event to strengthen his international position. Despite Russia's increasing isolation on the global stage, Putin is gathering leaders from BRICS countries and invited guests. The participation of UN Secretary-General António Guterres is particularly noteworthy, as it may be exploited by Moscow for propaganda purposes, according to experts from the Robert Lansing Institute.
Although Guterres has yet to comment on his participation, his visit has been confirmed by Russian diplomats. Experts believe he may be unaware of the risks associated with this event.
The presence of the UN leader at a summit in Russia, which is waging war against Ukraine and threatening global stability, could undermine his reputation and provoke a negative reaction in international circles, the Robert Lansing Institute notes.
The summit will serve as an important platform for the Kremlin, where Putin plans to promote an alternative "peace plan" for resolving the war in Ukraine, which is supported by China and Brazil. This plan contrasts with Ukraine's proposals and may weaken support for Kyiv among Global South countries.
For the Russian leadership, Guterres' visit will represent a significant propaganda move, demonstrating that Moscow is not in international isolation. It will also allow the Kremlin to claim UN support for the China-Brazil initiative on Ukraine, despite the proposed plan's lack of accountability for Russia's actions and its aim to freeze the conflict.
Guterres' presence in Kazan also gives Russia a strategic advantage, allowing it to use the visit to bolster anti-Western sentiment among BRICS members.
It is noted that the visit could undermine the international community's efforts to hold Russia accountable for the war in Ukraine, and in this context, Guterres' participation risks affecting his personal authority and the authority of the UN as a whole.
