Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend the upcoming BRICS summit in Brazil scheduled for July 6–7, the Kremlin confirmed, citing the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant issued against him in 2023. Instead, Putin will participate virtually via video link, while Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will represent Russia in person.
ICC Warrant Casts Shadow Over Diplomatic Engagement
The ICC accuses Putin of war crimes, specifically the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Although Russia does not recognize the ICC’s jurisdiction, Brazil is a signatory to the Rome Statute, making it legally obligated to arrest Putin if he enters the country.
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov stated that Brazil was unable to provide the necessary assurances to allow Putin’s safe participation:
“This is due to certain difficulties in the context of the ICC’s requirements,” he said.
A Pattern of Remote Participation
This is not the first time Putin has opted out of international summits due to the ICC warrant. In 2023, he skipped the BRICS summit in South Africa under similar circumstances. However, he did make a controversial visit to Mongolia, an ICC member, drawing criticism from the court and the European Union.
BRICS Summit Amid Global Tensions
The BRICS bloc—comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—continues to position itself as a counterweight to Western influence. Putin’s absence, however, underscores the diplomatic complications facing Russia amid ongoing international scrutiny.
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