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As António Guterres confirms his attendance at the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, speculation abounds regarding what this move signals for both the United Nations and the wider geopolitical landscape. The summit, scheduled for October 22-24, brings together the world’s leading emerging economies — Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa — at a time when Russia is facing escalating global isolation due to its war in Ukraine. Guterres’ presence, however, could inadvertently serve as a tool for Moscow, allowing the Kremlin to bolster its legitimacy on the international stage while eroding Western diplomatic efforts.

A Diplomatic Minefield

For Guterres, the decision to attend this summit is fraught with complexity. On the one hand, the UN Secretary-General is expected to engage with all its member states, including Russia, in the name of fostering dialogue and addressing pressing global issues like climate change, development, and inequality. The BRICS bloc represents a significant portion of the global population and economy, making its partnership essential for multilateral efforts on these fronts. Yet, given the geopolitical dynamics at play, the optics of this engagement cannot be ignored.

Critics argue that Guterres risks playing into the Kremlin’s hands. By simply showing up, the Secretary-General could offer a veneer of legitimacy to Vladimir Putin’s regime, despite Moscow’s increasing global isolation. Russia has been vigorously working to cultivate its relationships with the Global South, seeking to portray itself as a leader of an emerging world order that challenges Western dominance. The BRICS platform is a key instrument for this strategy. Guterres’ presence may well be spun as an endorsement of Russia’s attempts to reposition itself as a global power, all while undermining the concerted international efforts to sanction and isolate Moscow over its actions in Ukraine.

A Tightrope of Neutrality

In defense of his decision, Guterres might argue that the UN’s role is inherently impartial, aimed at maintaining dialogue with all states — especially in times of crisis. BRICS, after all, is not solely about Russia; it represents a forum where important global economic and social issues can be discussed, and the inclusion of countries like India, China, and South Africa ensures that any engagement is broader than Moscow’s own agenda.

However, Guterres will need to tread carefully. His attendance could signal that Russia is not as diplomatically isolated as the West would prefer, and this could erode trust in the UN’s neutrality, particularly among its Western members. Moreover, the Kremlin has a track record of using multilateral forums to project an image of strength and normalcy. Guterres’ mere presence at the summit might allow Russia to argue that it remains an indispensable player on the global stage — something the West has been keen to diminish in light of its aggressive actions in Ukraine.

A Divided World

This summit comes at a pivotal moment for global governance. The world is increasingly bifurcating into competing spheres of influence, with Russia and China at the forefront of a challenge to Western-led institutions like NATO and the G7. The expansion of BRICS to include countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Argentina underscores this growing divide between Global North and Global South.

Moscow, under Putin, is eager to align itself with the latter group, presenting Russia as a leader of an alternative world order. The BRICS summit offers a golden opportunity for the Kremlin to broadcast this narrative to a global audience. Guterres’ attendance may well be used as evidence that Russia is still a key player in shaping the future of international relations, despite its pariah status in much of the West.

The Stakes for Guterres and the UN

The role of the UN has been increasingly scrutinized in the context of the war in Ukraine, with some accusing the organization of being toothless in the face of Russian aggression. The grain deal, brokered by the UN, was hailed as a diplomatic success, yet Moscow’s repeated threats and eventual withdrawal have raised questions about the efficacy of the UN’s mediation. Guterres, who has already been walking a tightrope by engaging with both sides of the conflict, must now navigate the additional challenge of how his actions at the BRICS summit will be perceived.

Guterres’ appearance could allow him to emphasize multilateralism and the importance of global cooperation at a time when the world is more divided than ever. Yet, he will need to ensure that his presence is not co-opted by Russian propaganda. This is especially critical as the war in Ukraine continues to challenge the core principles of the UN Charter — sovereignty, peace, and security.

A Calculated Risk?

So what do we have as a result. Guterres’ participation in the BRICS Summit risks not only damaging his personal credibility, but also that of the UN itself. In an increasingly polarized world, where the stakes for global governance are higher than ever, the Secretary-General’s actions will resonate far beyond the confines of the Kazan summit.
Mykola Volkivskyi, Researcher, The Kosciuszko Foundation Scholar