Putin Will Not Attend G20 Summit in Brazil Amid ICC Warrant Concerns

 

Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced that he will not participate in next month’s G20 summit in Brazil, citing concerns that his presence would “wreck” the event. His remarks come as the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued a warrant for his arrest in connection with alleged war crimes in Ukraine.

Speaking on Friday, Putin suggested that discussions at the summit would likely focus on the ICC warrant, which he believes would detract from the summit's purpose. Ukraine has urged Brazil, as a member of the ICC, to arrest Putin if he attends the summit scheduled for November 18-19.

Despite the potential legal implications, Putin downplayed the threat, asserting that Russia could negotiate a bilateral agreement with Brazil to circumvent the ICC's arrest warrant. “Decisions of this kind are very easy to circumvent; it is enough to sign an intergovernmental agreement,” he stated, highlighting Russia's “very warm, good relations” with Brazil. He also expressed confidence that Russia could send a representative to the summit who would effectively convey the country’s interests.

Russia, which is not a signatory to the ICC, has consistently denied the allegations against Putin, particularly those regarding the alleged illegal deportation of Ukrainian children following the invasion that began in 2022.

Putin’s previous international engagements have been marked by caution; he visited Mongolia in September without incident, despite the country being bound by ICC regulations. Last year, he opted out of a BRICS meeting in South Africa.

In light of recent remarks made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy regarding Ukraine's need for nuclear weapons or NATO membership for security, Putin described these comments as a “dangerous provocation.” He warned that any moves in this direction would elicit a “corresponding reaction” from Russia.

Additionally, Putin expressed Russia's willingness to play a role in mediating conflicts in the Middle East, stating that the country maintains good relations with both Israel and Iran. He emphasized Russia's readiness to assist in finding compromises to end ongoing violence in the region.