Russian President Vladimir Putin is hosting a meeting of the Brics bloc of developing economies, defying predictions that the war in Ukraine and an international arrest warrant would turn him into a pariah. The alliance, which aims to counterbalance the Western-led world order, is expanding rapidly, with several countries expressing a desire to become members. The summit will allow Putin to promote his close ties with Chinese President Xi Jinping and demonstrate that Russia is an important player on the global stage. The Kremlin will also use the meeting to discuss expanding trade with major players like India and China, bypassing Western sanctions and signing a strategic partnership treaty with Iran.