• Putin called Xi Jinping and Modi among other leaders to discuss the Ukraine crisis.
• Details of a potential summit with Trump are pending as a deadline for peace approaches.
• China and India remain key allies and significant importers of Russian oil.
• BRICS countries are seen as a counterbalance to US influence in global politics.

Russian President Vladimir Putin held phone conversations with several global leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to discuss recent developments regarding the Ukraine crisis and ongoing dialogues with the United States. These calls coincided with a meeting in Moscow where Putin spoke with US envoy Steve Witkoff, indicating the possibility of a summit with President Trump as early as next week, although specifics regarding the venue and agenda remain undisclosed, according to aa and Reuters.

Xi Jinping responded positively to Putin during their call, expressing satisfaction with the ongoing communication between Russia and the US, aiming for a peaceful resolution to the Ukrainian conflict. This partnership is significant as both China and India are among the largest consumers of Russian oil, reflecting their strong economic ties amid geopolitical tensions with the West, as noted by Reuters and Dawn.

Further strengthening diplomatic ties, Putin also communicated with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who voiced support for initiatives aimed at establishing peace in Ukraine. Notably, the UAE is being considered as a potential venue for the upcoming US-Russia summit, showcasing the geopolitical strategy among BRICS nations to bolster their collective influence against US hegemony, according to Reuters, aa, and Dawn.