Russia presided over the BRICS association in 2024, hosting the summit in Kazan on October 22-24 where partner countries were established. Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan were initially announced as partners. Indonesia was initially set to join but became a full member after Brazil's presidency began. Nigeria joined as a partner on January 17, with the community's summit in Rio de Janeiro from July 6-7 being a key event during Brazil's presidency.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/978395-vietnam-joins-brics-as-a-partner-country-videoCzech President Petr Pavel and Prime Minister Petr Fiala emphasized the importance of security as a defining value for EU policy, with Pavel stating that Czechia should be able to defend its interests without US support if necessary. They called for a more serious approach to defense spending, with Fiala suggesting 5% of GDP, exceeding the NATO benchmark of 2%, indicating Czechia's growing ambitions in security matters.
https://www.expats.cz/czech-news/article/europe-s-security-elite-meet-in-prague-6-takeaways-that-matterThe European Commission has extended a measure providing temporary protection to Ukrainians until March 4, 2027. The move was backed by the European Council with unanimous support during a meeting of interior ministers in Luxembourg. Poland and Germany are considering curbing benefits for Ukrainian refugees, while Russia has conducted large-scale tests of new laser-based systems to defend against drones, which could become part of a universal air defence system. Ukraine has received 1,200 unidentified bodies from Russia as part of an agreement reached at peace talks in Istanbul, with Moscow claiming the bodies belong to Ukrainian citizens.
https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2025/06/14/eu-nations-extend-ukrainians-right-to-stay-until-march-2027Frin Ross, a resident of the Falklands, has written a letter to MLAs along with 37 others, expressing horror over the devastating humanitarian crisis in Palestine where two million people face starvation due to an Israeli blockade. They have petitioned the UK Government to demand a ceasefire and allow international aid agencies entry to provide assistance. The group also urges the release of remaining hostages by Hamas in Gaza and those illegally detained in Israel, as well as an end to arms sales to Israel.
https://en.mercopress.com/2025/06/14/falklands-lawmakers-call-for-end-of-hostilities-and-humanitarian-access-to-gaza#commentsRafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has warned against a growing conflict that could have global consequences. He is in constant contact with Iran's Nuclear Regulatory Authority to assess the situation and ensure nuclear safety and security. Grossi emphasized that nuclear sites should never be targeted, as such attacks pose serious implications for regional and international peace and security. He expressed his commitment to facilitating dialogue and supporting efforts through the IAEA, a neutral platform where facts prevail over rhetoric.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1321136-pakistan-stands-in-resolute-solidarity-with-iran-at-un-security-councilIndia and China have agreed to rebuild their ties, focusing on people-centric initiatives. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Chinese Vice FM Sun Weidong, reviewing developments in bilateral relations and agreeing to "stabilise and rebuild" ties with a priority on people-centric engagements. The two sides also agreed to expedite steps involved in resuming direct air services between the two countries.
https://indiatoday.in/india/story/india-china-agree-rebuild-ties-resume-air-services-sun-weidong-vikram-misri-2740626-2025-06-14US District Judge Michael Farbiarz denied Mahmoud Khalil's request for release from detention, citing immigration fraud charges as the reason for his continued detention. The government had initially held Khalil, a legal permanent resident of the US and graduate student at Columbia University, due to his involvement in pro-Palestinian protests. However, after changing its rationale, the government now claims Khalil is being detained on immigration fraud charges. Khalil's lawyers argue that such detentions are unusual and unconstitutional, while another immigrant, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was also targeted by the Trump administration, pleaded not guilty to migrant smuggling charges after his wrongful deportation.
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/us-court-extends-detention-of-pro-palestinian-protest-leader-mahmoud-khalil-8664193Brazilian President Lula da Silva addressed leaders of 15 Caribbean nations, calling for strengthened technical cooperation, investments in resilient infrastructure, and support for small island states vulnerable to climate change. He proposed a South-South Climate Fund to address extreme phenomena like hurricanes and rising sea levels. Lula also advocated for diversified trade, reduced tariff barriers, and reforming the international financial system to penalize polluters less. The Caribbean nations issued a statement warning of climate change's existential threat, urging developed countries to fulfill their emissions reduction commitments and climate finance obligations.
https://en.mercopress.com/2025/06/14/brazil-caribbean-summit-lula-highlights-south-south-cooperation#commentsMaulana Fazlur Rehman, chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, stated that Pakistan should not be part of any proxy wars and has the right to form agreements with foreign countries based on international principles. He emphasized the importance of solving Pakistan's own economic problems and protecting human rights. The JUI-F chief criticized the current tax-free budget system, comparing it unfavorably to a 20-year-old budget that was considered prosperous. Maulana Fazl also expressed concern over the country's economic decline, citing its inability to progress without foreign investment and its reliance on international financial institutions like the IMF. He urged the business community to come forward with their issues in parliament, while Federal Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh praised Maulana Fazl for his role in important movements and highlighted China's success in eradicating poverty.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1321055-pakistan-will-not-be-allowed-to-become-part-of-any-proxy-fazl