World leaders called for peace in the Middle East and Ukraine at the BRICS summit in Russia on Wednesday, as President Vladimir Putin told them he welcomed offers to mediate in the Ukraine conflict. The meeting of around 20 world leaders in the central city of Kazan is the largest diplomatic forum held in Russia since Putin ordered troops into Ukraine in 2022. In a joint statement, the group said it was 'deeply concerned about ongoing conflicts and instability in the Middle East and North African region.' The European Union on Wednesday urged BRICS members to use to forum to pressure Putin to 'immediately' halt his offensive on Ukraine.