At the recent BRICS ministerial summit hosted in Brazil, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov delivered a speech that resonated far beyond the halls of diplomacy. He began by expressing gratitude to the Brazilian hosts and praised the inclusion of new BRICS partner countries such as Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan. Their involvement, Lavrov suggested, marks a significant shift toward a broader, more inclusive global coalition beyond the traditional Western sphere.
Lavrov emphasized the growing engagement of BRICS partner nations in shaping global governance and called for stronger collective action to tackle development challenges and global security. He underscored the need for structural reform, particularly within international institutions like the IMF, arguing that quotas must be updated to reflect the real economic power of the Global South and East. This, he asserted, would correct long-standing imbalances in global financial representation.
A major portion of Lavrov’s remarks was aimed at criticizing Western policies, which he labeled as destructive. He accused the West of engaging in economic warfare through sanctions and protectionism, destabilizing the global financial system, and fueling regional crises. In this context, BRICS was portrayed not only as a counterbalance but as a vehicle for redefining multilateral cooperation in a way that is more equitable and representative.
Lavrov also reaffirmed support for the core principles of the UN Charter and pushed for reform of the UN Security Council, backing India and Brazil as permanent members. He touched on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, calling for a deeper look at its root causes and promoting a long-term settlement rather than surface-level diplomacy. These remarks further positioned Russia as a champion of multipolar dialogue—on its terms.
Trade and economic concerns were also central to Lavrov’s speech. He highlighted a shared BRICS stance against the fragmentation of the global economy and the weakening of multilateral institutions such as the WTO. The final communiqué condemned unilateral protectionist measures and called for WTO reforms that reflect modern realities and ensure inclusivity and fairness in global trade.
A notable development was Lavrov’s mention of BRICS’ efforts to establish an independent payment system, “BRI Pay,” aimed at reducing reliance on Western financial channels. Over 65% of trade among BRICS countries is now conducted in national currencies, and plans are underway to expand tools for mutual trade settlement. This initiative not only advances BRICS financial autonomy but also sends a clear message about shifting away from dollar dominance.
Finally, Lavrov addressed the broader context of U.S.-Russia relations. He remarked that diplomatic contacts never fully ceased—even during the Cold War—and that interest in this dialogue remains high within BRICS. At the same time, he criticized how Russia and China are portrayed in U.S. strategic documents—as threats and long-term rivals, respectively. Nonetheless, Lavrov insisted that BRICS will continue to support balanced, equitable negotiations and international justice mechanisms that are depoliticized and broadly supported, unlike the current form of the International Criminal Court.