Russia Rebuts BRICS Military Transformation Claims
Speaking to a state news agency, Ryabkov clarified that BRICS functions neither as a military partnership nor a collective security framework with mutual defense commitments.
"It was never conceived in that spirit, and there are no plans to transform BRICS in that direction," Ryabkov stated, emphasizing that the 10-member coalition's agenda excludes military drills or arms control initiatives.
Ryabkov further disputed characterizations of recent naval exercises in South Africa as a "BRICS event," asserting participating nations—including China, Iran, and Russia—acted independently. He referenced the "Will for Peace 2026" maneuvers conducted Jan. 9-16.
When questioned whether BRICS could shield member tankers from attacks and guarantee maritime security, Ryabkov said the bloc lacks capabilities beyond logistics optimization and sanctions mitigation, noting that security must be "ensured by other means."
Founded in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with South Africa joining in 2010, BRICS subsequently welcomed Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran, expanding to 11 members plus 10 partner nations.
The Russian diplomat noted intra-BRICS commerce growth substantially outpaces global trends, "an indication that BRICS, without being some kind of 'magic wand,' can actually help solve problems."
Ryabkov advocated BRICS solidarity with Iran, revealing Moscow and Beijing coordinate with Tehran on "ensuring the appropriate political environment" for Washington-Tehran negotiations.
Current priorities center "on the negotiations Iran is conducting with its partners, on the work Iran is doing indirectly — primarily through Arab intermediaries — with the Americans," which he projected will persist.
The US and Iran conducted indirect negotiations in Muscat on Feb. 6 with Omani mediation addressing Tehran's nuclear program, ending an eight-month hiatus following US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear installations during the 12-day Iran-Israel conflict in June 2025.
Washington has dramatically escalated its regional military presence as US President Donald Trump pressures Iran—which recently confronted mass protests over deteriorating economic conditions—to reach an agreement.
Uranium enrichment constitutes the primary negotiation obstacle, with the US demanding Iran terminate enrichment activities and remove highly enriched uranium from the country.
Washington has additionally pursued inclusion of Iran's missile development and regional armed group support in discussions, though Tehran has consistently refused negotiations beyond its nuclear program.
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