Background on Vladimir Putin and the ICC
Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, will not attend the upcoming BRICS summit in Brazil due to an outstanding arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against him, according to Yuri Ushakov, the Kremlin’s foreign policy advisor. The ICC issued this warrant in 2023, over a year after Russia launched its large-scale war against Ukraine, accusing Putin of the war crime of forcibly deporting hundreds of Ukrainian children.
Russia’s Stance on ICC Accusations
Russia denies the war crime allegations, and the Kremlin, which did not sign the foundational treaty of the ICC, has dismissed the warrant as null and invalid. However, Putin must weigh the risk of arrest if he travels to any ICC-signatory country.
Previous Incidents and Current Situation
In 2023, Putin opted not to visit one such country, South Africa, for a BRICS summit due to the warrant. The previous year, though, he was warmly welcomed in Mongolia, an ICC member state.
Putin’s Participation in the BRICS Summit
Ushakov stated that Putin will join the BRICS summit via video conference on July 6th and 7th in Brazil. He explained, “Due to certain difficulties amidst the ICC’s demands, the Brazilian government could not adopt a clear stance allowing our president to participate in this meeting.”
Russian Representation at the Summit
Sergei Lavrov, Russia’s Foreign Minister, will attend the summit to represent Russia. Meanwhile, reports suggest that Chinese President Xi Jinping will not be present at the summit.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Vladimir Putin? Vladimir Putin is the President of Russia, in office since 2012 (after previous terms from 2000 to 2008).
- What is the ICC? The International Criminal Court (ICC) is an intergovernmental organization and independent international institution that investigates and, where warranted, tries individuals charged with committing crimes of concern to the international community.
- Why was an arrest warrant issued against Putin? The ICC issued the warrant in 2023, accusing Putin of the war crime of forcibly deporting hundreds of Ukrainian children.
- How will Putin participate in the BRICS summit? Due to the ICC warrant, Putin will join the summit via video conference.
- Who will represent Russia at the summit? Sergei Lavrov, Russia’s Foreign Minister, will attend the summit to represent Russia.
- Will Chinese President Xi Jinping attend the summit? Reports suggest that Xi Jinping will not be present at the BRICS summit in Brazil.
