Russia Rejects Speculation of BRICS Military Alliance
Speaking to a state-run news agency, Ryabkov clarified the 10-nation bloc maintains no military alliance framework or collective defense commitments requiring reciprocal armed assistance among members.
"It was never conceived in that spirit, and there are no plans to transform BRICS in that direction," Ryabkov declared, emphasizing the organization's agenda excludes military maneuvers and weapons regulation.
The diplomat dismissed characterizations of recent South African naval exercises as BRICS-affiliated operations, asserting participating nations—including China, Iran, and Russia—engaged under individual national authority. The "Will for Peace 2026" drills ran January 9-16.
When questioned about potential BRICS protection for member-state tankers facing maritime threats, Ryabkov stated the bloc lacks capabilities beyond enhanced logistics coordination and sanctions mitigation, noting security must be "ensured by other means."
Originally established in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with South Africa added in 2010, BRICS has since welcomed Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran, bringing membership to 11 nations plus 10 partner states.
Ryabkov highlighted inter-BRICS commerce growth substantially outpacing global trade expansion, calling it "an indication that BRICS, without being some kind of 'magic wand,' can actually help solve problems."
The official said BRICS should demonstrate solidarity with Iran, revealing Moscow and Beijing coordinate with Tehran on "ensuring the appropriate political environment" for Washington-Tehran diplomatic engagement.
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," Ryabkov noted, predicting continued dialogue.
Washington and Tehran conducted indirect negotiations February 6 in Muscat via Omani intermediaries addressing Iran's nuclear ambitions, ending an eight-month freeze following U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear installations during the 12-day Iran-Israel conflict in June 2025.
U.S. President Donald Trump has amplified American military presence regionally while warning economically-strained Iran—recently convulsed by mass demonstrations—to reach agreement.
Uranium enrichment remains the negotiation flashpoint, with Washington demanding Tehran cease enrichment activities and remove highly concentrated uranium stockpiles from Iranian territory.
Washington additionally seeks incorporation of Iran's ballistic missile development and regional militant support into discussions, though Tehran consistently refuses expanding talks beyond nuclear parameters.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
