Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend the August meeting of the Brics countries in South Africa. This was announced by the South African President’s office on Wednesday. South Africa should have arrested Putin upon entry, according to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa had previously sought ways to avoid arresting Russian ruler Vladimir Putin at a summit in August. Ramaphosa’s country is hosting the upcoming summit of the confederation of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (Brics). Their heads of state are expected to attend, including Putin. However, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant against the Russian president for war crimes. As a member of the ICC, South Africa would therefore be obliged to arrest Putin if he appeared at the summit.