Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend next week’s BRICS summit in Brazil, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov announced on Wednesday. He said this was due to an outstanding arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in 2023.
“This is due to certain difficulties, in the context of the ICC requirement,” Ushakov said. “In that context, the Brazilian government could not take a clear position that would allow our president to participate in this meeting.”
Putin will take part via video link during the summit scheduled for July 6–7 in Rio de Janeiro. Ushakov added, “The president will attend via video link, but the foreign minister will work at the venue.”
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will represent the Russian leader in person.
ICC Warrant: Why It Matters
The ICC warrant accuses Putin of war crimes, specifically the deportation of hundreds of Ukrainian children.
Russia denies these allegations and argues the warrant has no force in its view, as it is not a party to the ICC treaty.
Because Brazil is an ICC member, Ushakov noted that Putin risks arrest if he travels there.
Putin previously avoided visiting South Africa for a BRICS meeting due to the same warrant. He still made a high-profile visit to Mongolia, also an ICC member, last year.
Geopolitical Ripples at Rio Summit
Putin’s absence adds to a growing list of high-profile no-shows. Chinese President Xi Jinping is also reportedly skipping the summit, with China’s Premier attending instead.
Brazil will host global leaders in Rio, focusing on Global South interests like clean energy, financial inclusion, and digital equality.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend and push a counter-terrorism agenda.
Meanwhile, some officials speculate Brazil may explore immunity measures to allow such leaders to attend future summits despite ICC restrictions.
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