BRICS - which previously comprised Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa - has seen a major wave of expansion. Four more countries - Ethiopia, Iran, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates - joined the group at the start of this year, and further additions are expected in the future.
The bloc's political and economic influence has increased significantly since harsh restrictions were imposed on Russia by the US, EU and other Western countries following the start of the Ukraine conflict in 2022. None of the BRICS members have joined the Western campaign, and have continued or boosted trade with Russia.
Speaking at a press conference after a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Russia's top diplomat said his counterpart has come up with a formula for cancelling out the effect of sanctions:
"My colleague spoke in detail about specific economic gaps that emerge as a result of the illegal policy of unilateral sanctions and which we will solve within the framework of BRICS and within the SCO."
Comment: According to Netanyahu, and offensive on Rafah is planned for next week. However, he neglected to tell the military.