‘Need To De-Escalate Soon’: After Modi, Xi Calls for Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire at BRICS Summit

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday called for de-escalation in the Ukraine-Russia conflict while addressing the BRICS Summit in Kazan. “We need to push for the situation to de-escalate as soon as possible,” Xi said, in the presence of Russian President Vladimir Putin and other BRICS leaders. Xi emphasized the need to strengthen BRICS as the world enters a “new period of turbulent change” and urged the group to act as the “guardian of common security.”

In his separate meeting with Putin, Xi assured China’s steadfast support to Russia, noting that the two countries have entered a “new era” of partnership against what they perceive as U.S. global dominance.

Xi also addressed the conflict in West Asia, stressing the need for a ceasefire.

Putin welcomes mediation in Ukraine war

Hosting the summit, Putin welcomed BRICS leaders’ mediation efforts in Ukraine, noting many countries’ desire to contribute to resolving the conflict. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov highlighted Putin’s private talks with leaders, where he emphasized positive dynamics for Russian armed forces.

‘Want dialogue, not war’

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated during the summit that dialogue is the key to ending the Ukraine conflict. “We support dialogue and diplomacy, not war,” Modi said. Earlier, he discussed the Ukraine crisis with Xi, Putin, and other BRICS leaders, expressing India’s desire for peace and readiness to help in achieving a truce.

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Modi also emphasized unified action against terrorism, urging cooperation without double standards to prevent youth radicalisation and called for progress on the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in the UN.