BRICS Calls for Global Unity Amid Ukraine, Gaza Crises and US Trade War

Members country meet in Brazil to push diplomacy, reject unilateralism, and discuss currency, climate, and global economy ahead of key summit.

Brazil hosted a critical BRICS meeting on Monday, convening 11 countries to review and respond to key world issues such as Ukraine, Gaza, global warming, and intensifying trade tensions.

The meeting took place in Rio de Janeiro and convened the foreign ministers of Brazil, Russia, China, India, South Africa and five other countries under the current presidency of Brazil.

Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira urged greater cooperation, emphasizing diplomacy and multilateralism in the face of continuous conflicts and international trade tensions during U.S. President Trump’s presidency.

He pointed to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, urging immediate diplomatic action as Russia’s President Putin declared a temporary three-day ceasefire amidst increasing global tensions.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy dismissed Putin’s ceasefire as propaganda, as the U.S. characterized the BRICS meeting as part of a “critical week” for negotiations over Ukraine.

The bloc also spoke about the Gaza crisis. Vieira called for a full Israeli withdrawal and condemned ongoing bombings and blockages to humanitarian supplies in the conflict-torn region.

Ministers are gearing up to the BRICS leaders’ meeting in July where diplomacy, commerce, and green development are expected to headline agendas.

The four founding members have expanded into an influential 11-country coalition and account for close to half of humankind as well as 39% of global economic output.

The group also addressed recent economic woes, such as Trump’s blanket tariffs that have shaken global markets and resulted in a decline in IMF’s growth prediction.

China since Trump’s return is confronted with tariffs of up to 145%, reciprocating with similarly strong levies, causing fear of an extended global trade war.

Chinese government official Zhao Chenxin accused the U.S. of “unilateralism and bullying,” declaring China’s trade reaction as warranted and based on economic justice.

There was also talk of de-dollarisation. Russia’s Lavrov stated members desire increased trade in local currencies, but dismissed plans for a single BRICS currency.

Vieira also made it clear Brazil does not favor establishing a BRICS currency at this time, despite earlier summit talks to counter U.S. dollar dominance.

Climate change was another key area of concern. Brazil, host of COP30 this year in Belem, Amazon, seeks to spur robust global environmental action through BRICS cooperation.

A collective BRICS statement is due Tuesday(Brazil standards time), reaffirming multilateralism, peace, equitable trade, and collective action on climate and humanitarian crises confronting the world today.