Putin to skip G20: Claims attending would ‘wreck’ the summit, downplays ICC arrest warrant
Russian President Vladimir Putin Photograph:( Reuters )
Story highlights
He downplayed the role of the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant issued against him, saying, “that rulings of this type can be got around very easily.”
He downplayed the role of the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant issued against him, saying, “that rulings of this type can be got around very easily.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Friday (Oct 18) that he would not be attending the upcoming G20 summit in Brazil in November, explaining that his presence would disrupt the event.
He downplayed the role of the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant issued against him, saying, “that rulings of this type can be got around very easily."
During a conversation with a reporter in Moscow, ahead of the BRICS summit in Russia, Putin confirmed his decision to skip the G20 gathering.
“So what, I would go there specially in order to disrupt the normal work of this forum?” the Russian president said, adding that if he attended "the conversations would only be about this."
"We would basically wreck the work of the G-20, why?" he asked.
Putin assured that Russia would still be well-represented at the summit. “We are adults, so we will find someone in Russia who will worthily present the interests of our country in Brazil,” he stated.
He also dismissed concerns about being arrested if he travelled to Brazil, mentioning the strong relationship between the two nations. “Russia and Brazil have very warm, good relations,” he said, further adding that a government agreement could easily prevent any complications. "Therefore when it comes down to it, it’s enough to write an intergovernmental agreement and nobody is placed in a difficult position."
Earlier this week, Ukraine's chief prosecutor claimed to have received information that suggested Putin might attend the summit, urging Brazilian authorities to execute the ICC's arrest warrant if he did.
In March 2023, the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Putin, accusing him of war crimes related to the deportation of children following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. However, Moscow has repeatedly denied any involvement in war crimes, and the Kremlin has dismissed the warrant as having no legal standing.
Although Putin was able to visit Mongolia in September without any issues, despite the country's obligation as an ICC member to arrest him, he chose not to attend the BRICS meeting in South Africa earlier this year.
(With inputs from agencies)
