The anticipation surrounding Russian President Vladimir Putin’s attendance at the upcoming BRICS nations summit in South Africa was quashed as the country’s presidency revealed on Wednesday that he will not be present. This decision was made to dispel any concerns about the likelihood of his detainment.
Pretoria has been grappling with the intricate diplomatic challenge posed by Putin’s potential visit.
As an ICC member, South Africa would be obligated to execute the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant against the Russian leader, making his presence in the country a matter of significant concern.
‘By mutual agreement, President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation will not attend the summit,’ Vincent Magwenya, a spokesman for President Cyril Ramaphosa stated.
Magwenya made it known that Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has been designated to represent Russia in place of the Russian President.
The decision comes after ‘a number of consultations’ held by Ramaphosa in recent months, the most recent of which took place last night.
Read also: Arresting Putin Would Be ‘Declaration Of War’ – South Africa
The BRICS group, consisting of South Africa, Brazil, Russia, India, and China, is presently chaired by South Africa. This alliance stands united in its pursuit to act as a countervailing force against the economic hegemony of Western nations.
Pretoria, amidst mounting domestic and international pressure, has extended a formal invitation to Putin for the forthcoming BRICS summit in Johannesburg, slated for August 22 to 24. However, concerns and appeals against his presence have intensified.
The other countries’ leaders will all be in attendance, Magwenya said
‘President Ramaphosa is confident that the Summit will be a success and calls on the nation to extend the necessary hospitality to the many delegates who will arrive from various parts of the continent and the globe,’ he added.
The ICC has initiated efforts to apprehend Putin based on accusations of Russia’s involvement in the unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children.
Ramaphosa’s court papers, made public on Tuesday, featured his position that the arrest of Putin would be perceived as a significant escalation, tantamount to declaring war on Russia.
The affidavit, which included the assessment, was a direct response to an application made by the Democratic Alliance (DA), the country’s primary opposition party.
Through their application, the DA aimed to compel the government to ensure that the Kremlin leader would be handed over to the ICC in case he chose to visit the country.