QUESTION: The BRICS association, whose significance is increasing in the modern multipolar world, could advance important changes in international relations. What is the agenda, and what plans do you, as the Russian leader, consider it important to discuss with your BRICS partners at the upcoming summit?

PRESIDENT OF RUSSIA VLADIMIR PUTIN: The modern world is indeed multipolar, complex, and dynamic – this is objective reality. Any attempts to create a model of international relations where all decisions are made within a single ‘pole’ are ineffective, malfunction regularly, and are ultimately set to fail.