The BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro faced unexpected tension following a warning from US President Donald Trump, who has returned to the White House. His statements about potential tariffs added a layer of complexity to the diplomatic atmosphere.
Trump's Tariff Threat
On Monday morning, Trump threatened to impose a 10% tariff on any country he deemed to support 'anti-American' policies. His comments came on the final day of the meeting hosted by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
Call with Putin and Zelensky
Trump expressed dissatisfaction following a phone call with Vladimir Putin, stating he does not believe Putin is interested in ending the conflict. He later spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, describing their conversation as 'very important and fruitful.'
BRICS Countries' Reactions
In response to Trump's threats, BRICS leaders remained cautious. President Lula did not comment, while senior adviser Celso Amorim suggested that these threats highlight the need for an organization like BRICS. Many delegates opted to refrain from public confrontation.
The BRICS summit in Rio has underscored the complexities of international cooperation amid external political pressures, highlighting the significance of the BRICS bloc in navigating these challenges.
