Putin Opts for Virtual Summit Amidst Legal Dilemma, Maintaining South Africa's BRICS Success

Russian President Vladimir Putin has decided not to attend the upcoming BRICS summit in Johannesburg in person in order to avoid jeopardizing the talks, according to a top South African diplomat.

Putin's potential visit had posed a diplomatic and legal dilemma for South Africa, as he is the target of an International Criminal Court arrest warrant.

As an ICC member, South Africa would be expected to implement the warrant if Putin set foot in the country. In an effort to maintain the success of the summit, it has been collectively decided that Putin will participate virtually in the discussions.

South Africa's ambassador-at-large for Asia and the BRICS, Anil Sooklal, expressed confidence in the talks despite Putin's absence. Pretoria, as the current chair of the BRICS group, views itself as a counterweight to Western economic domination.

South Africa had faced heavy domestic and international pressure not to host Putin, but Sooklal emphasized that Putin's decision was made to prevent any problems or complications for South Africa.

The Russian leader will fully participate in the discussions remotely. Putin is currently facing accusations of unlawfully deporting Ukrainian children following Russia's invasion of its neighbor in February 2022.