Several high-ranking European delegates chose to boycott Russian President Vladimir Putin's speech at the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) summit in China. Videos circulating online showed delegates, including former French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin, leaving the room before Putin's speech began. This boycott comes as Europe strongly condemns Putin for ordering the invasion of Ukraine, resulting in the European Union imposing sanctions on Russia.

Despite the boycott, Putin used his speech to praise Chinese President Xi Jinping and emphasize Russia's potential to contribute to the BRI and enhance trade connectivity between East and West. He referred to Xi as his "dear friend" and praised the global unifying impact of the BRI. Putin also highlighted the shared desire of Russia and China, as well as most nations worldwide, for equal and mutually beneficial cooperation to achieve sustainable economic progress and social well-being. The BRI summit itself was a significant event, with President Xi opening the ceremony in the presence of world leaders and over 1,000 delegates.

This multibillion-dollar infrastructure project aims to promote trade and connectivity between China and other parts of the world. It is noteworthy that Putin's presence at the summit marked his second known international trip since the Ukraine war began. His visit to Beijing came after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant against him in March over the illegal deportation of children from Ukraine to Russia.

China, however, is not an ICC state, making it one of the few places where Putin cannot be arrested. Overall, despite the boycott by European delegates, Putin's speech at the BRI summit showcased his desire for cooperation with China and other nations, while Europe continues to condemn his actions in Ukraine. The summit itself highlighted the importance of the BRI in promoting connectivity and trade on a global scale.