According to Russia’s presidency, President Vladimir Putin will not attend the much-anticipated summit in South Africa next month.
South Africa’s leader, Cyril Ramaphosa previously stated that any attempt to apprehend Vladimir Putin would constitute a declaration of war against Russia.
If Mr. Putin had departed Russian territory, he would have been subject to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) months back.
South Africa is a signatory to the ICC and was expected to assist in Mr. Putin’s arrest.
Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov will instead represent the country at the two-day summit.
However, Mr. Putin will participate in the Brics (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) conference via video link, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian media.
Some consider the BRICS to be an alternative to the G7 group of advanced economies.
In a statement, the presidency of South Africa characterized the agreement for Mr. Putin to skip the summit as “mutual” and said it was the result of “numerous consultations” regarding the summit.
Russia’s supporters have criticized the decision, stating that South Africa should have insisted and exercised its sovereignty to protect and defend its ally.
The invitation extended to Mr. Putin by South Africa before the International Criminal Court indicted him for war crimes in Ukraine has sparked controversy both nationally and internationally.
