In what will likely be framed as a show of strength in the face of sanctions and geopolitical ostracization over the war in Ukraine, Russia is hosting the 16th annual BRICS summit in Kazan between Tuesday and Thursday.

Nearly three years after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine saw Moscow condemned by countries globally, leader Vladimir Putin is staging a summit with more than a dozen world leaders – in a pointed signal from the autocrat that far from being alone,

The leaders of China, South Africa and India arrived in Russia on Tuesday for the BRICS summit of emerging economies. The meeting will see president Vladimir Putin host more than 20 heads of state, in a move that defies expectations that the Ukraine war and sanctions would isolate Russia.