Brazil hosts BRICS countries for summit, Putin only present online
The annual BRICS summit has begun in Rio de Janeiro, with the focus on controversial geopolitical issues such as the conflict between Israel and Iran and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. However, with leaders like Putin and Xi absent, it may be difficult for the group to make strong statements against the West, as some members desire. The expansion of the group to include more countries may increase its global influence, but internal disagreements may hinder progress.