**Russia Invites Putin to G20 Summit in South Africa, Despite ICC Warrant**
Russian President Vladimir Putin has been officially invited to attend the upcoming G20 summit in South Africa. The invitation was made public by Russian Ambassador-at-Large Marat Berdyev during an interview with state-owned media outlet RIA Novosti.
However, this news comes as a surprise given that South Africa is a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and has signed the Rome Statute, which obliges it to arrest Putin if he enters the country. In March 2023, the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Putin over his alleged involvement in the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
**The Dilemma**
This is not the first time that Russia has been invited to a G20 summit despite facing international criticism and controversy. Last year, Putin skipped the G20 summit in Brazil, another ICC member state, and sent Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov instead. This move was seen as an attempt by Russia to avoid enforcing the ICC warrant.
In South Africa’s case, the country has maintained good relations with Moscow, conducting joint naval drills with Russia and China in 2023 and being a member of the BRICS bloc alongside both nations. It remains to be seen whether South Africa will comply with its obligations under the Rome Statute and arrest Putin if he attends the summit.
**What’s at Stake**
The decision by South Africa to invite Putin to the G20 summit despite the ICC warrant raises important questions about the country’s commitment to international law and human rights. It also highlights the challenges faced by countries in balancing their economic and political interests with their obligations under international law.
As the world watches this development, it is clear that the complexities of global politics and diplomacy are at play here. Will South Africa uphold its obligations under the Rome Statute and arrest Putin, or will Russia find a way to circumvent the warrant? Only time will tell.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
