Putin to Skip BRICS Summit in Brazil Over ICC Arrest Warrant
Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend the forthcoming BRICS summit scheduled for July 6–7, 2025, in Rio de Janeiro, due to an outstanding arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Instead, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will represent Russia in person, while Putin is expected to join remotely via video link.
ICC Warrant and its Implications
The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Putin in March 2023, accusing him of forcibly deporting hundreds of Ukrainian children following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The Kremlin has consistently rejected these allegations, deeming the warrant legally void, yet it poses significant travel risks for Putin when entering ICC member nations such as Brazil.
As a signatory to the Rome Statute, Brazil is obligated to arrest any ICC-designated individuals present within its borders, complicating the Russian president's participation.
Historical Context: A Pattern of Absences
This is not the first occasion Putin has shunned international forums over ICC-related concerns. In 2023, he refrained from attending the BRICS summit in South Africa under similar circumstances, delegating Lavrov in his stead. Additionally, Putin was absent from the 2024 G20 summit in Brazil.
Despite these challenges, a notable exception occurred in September 2024, when Putin visited Mongolia — itself an ICC member state — signaling complex diplomatic calculations. Meanwhile, speculation surrounds Chinese President Xi Jinping's potential absence from this year's BRICS summit as well.
Russia’s Diplomatic Maneuvers Amid Legal Challenges
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov explained the decision to forego physical attendance by citing concerns over the ICC warrant and Brazil’s position, which lacked assurances permitting Putin’s safe presence at the summit. This strategic move aims to maintain Russia's engagement in the multilateral dialogue while circumventing legal and diplomatic pitfalls.
Looking Ahead
With Russia’s representation ensured by Foreign Minister Lavrov, the summit is expected to proceed with discussions on economic cooperation and geopolitical strategies, albeit without Putin’s direct participation.
- Summit Dates: July 6–7, 2025
- Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Russian Representation: Sergey Lavrov (in person), Vladimir Putin (video link)
- Key Issue: ICC arrest warrant blocking Putin’s physical presence
The unfolding scenario highlights the intersection of international law and diplomacy, illustrating how legal actions can influence global summit dynamics.
