During the Leaders' Session of the BRICS Business Forum, Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a critique of Western economic policies. Putin described the trade tactics employed by Western nations as "ugly," arguing that they have been weaponized to exert diplomatic pressure and interfere in the sovereign affairs of other states. A central pillar of his argument was the scale of international sanctions currently imposed on Russia, which he stated now number approximately 30,000.

Putin’s remarks were framed as a defense of independent economic development against what he perceives as external manipulation. By highlighting the volume of sanctions, he sought to illustrate the challenges faced by the Russian economy while positioning BRICS as a necessary alternative to Western-dominated financial systems. While the report from NDTV focuses on Putin's characterization of these policies as interference, it does not provide a counter-perspective from Western officials or independent economic analysts regarding the justification for these sanctions. The speech serves as part of a broader effort by the Russian government to strengthen ties with BRICS member nations and promote a multipolar global economic order that operates outside of Western regulatory influence.