SPEAKING at the BRICS summit in Joburg by video link, Russian President Vladimir Putin blasted the West.
Putin said the West is responsible for the war that lasted for eight years in Ukraine when Russia decided to fight alongside the people who wanted their possessions, language, culture and future back.
"Our actions in Ukraine are guided by one thing - to put an end to a war that was unleashed by the West against people in Donbas," said Putin.
He thanked the colleagues in BRICS countries who were taking part in an attempt to end the war and ensure a just settlement by peaceful means.
Meanwhile, other leaders at the summit committed to helping attain global peace and assist one another in eradicating poverty.
They were speaking on Wednesday, 23 August at the Sandton Convention Centre in Joburg where the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) alliance is holding its annual summit.
The leaders stressed that war was not an answer to the challenges facing the world.
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Brazilian President Lula da Silva said it was unacceptable that global military spending exceeds trillions of dollars while millions of people go hungry around the world.
"The search for peace is a collective duty and an imperative for fair and sustainable development. BRICS must act as a force for understanding and cooperation to end conflicts in the world," he said.
He pointed out that everyone suffers from the consequences of war.
Da Silva also called for "de-dollarisation" and an end to nations' trading in the US currency.
He said the creation of a common currency for transactions between the BRICS countries would reduce their vulnerabilities.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the last two decades had been "magnificent" for BRICS.
"We have had many achievements during this journey. The New Development Bank is playing an important role in developing countries of the Global South. Through its contingency reserves we have created a financial safety net," he said.
He said BRICS was bringing about positive changes in the lives of ordinary citizens in various countries through initiatives such as the summit, games and strengthening ties between people of all countries.
He suggested further cooperation in space, education, skills development and technology. China President Xi Jinping said problems such as poverty and lack of skills in developing countries were hindering the realisation of sustainable goals.
He called on the BRICS bloc to fast-track the expansion of its members.
