Putin was meant to be at a summit in South Africa this week. Why was he asked to stay away?
1 year, 4 months ago

Putin was meant to be at a summit in South Africa this week. Why was he asked to stay away?

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Vladimir Putin will be the odd one out when leaders from the BRICS economic bloc of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa meet in Johannesburg this week. An International Criminal Court arrest warrant issued for the Russian president put summit host South Africa in a sticky situation and ultimately resulted in Putin staying at home. But Putin's indictment by the International Criminal Court in March charging him with war crimes over the removal of children from Ukraine left South Africa with a significant diplomatic conundrum. South Africa, the current chair of BRICS, says that doesn't mean the bloc is taking an anti-West turn under the influence of China and Russia amid increased West-East geopolitical tensions.

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History of this topic

Putin hosts Global South leaders at BRICS summit meant to counterbalance Western clout
2 months, 2 weeks ago

Putin hosts Global South leaders at BRICS summit meant to counterbalance Western clout

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

'Vladimir Putin will not attend G20 summit in Delhi in September', says Kremlin
1 year, 4 months ago

'Vladimir Putin will not attend G20 summit in Delhi in September', says Kremlin

India TV News  

In a major development, the Kremlin has confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin will not visit India for the much-awaited G20 Leaders Summit in New Delhi. The announcement from Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov came on Friday-- a day after President Putin attended the crucial BRICS Summit virtually and sent his Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to South Africa's national capital Johannesburg, …

Why did Russian President Putin decide to skip G20 Summit in India? Explained
1 year, 4 months ago

Why did Russian President Putin decide to skip G20 Summit in India? Explained

India TV News  

The Kremlin, on Friday, cleared the air by confirming that Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be visiting its "all-weather" ally, India, for the much-awaited G20 Leaders Summit in New Delhi. "Putin is not planning a trip to the G20 summit in India, which will be held in September," Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday. Putin's decision will cast …

At BRICS Summit, Putin denounces sanctions on Russia, warns 'Black Sea grain deal will be suspended untill...'
1 year, 4 months ago

At BRICS Summit, Putin denounces sanctions on Russia, warns 'Black Sea grain deal will be suspended untill...'

India TV News  

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who did not travel to South Africa to join the BRICS Summit in person, came down heavily on the West for penalising Moscow for its "special military operations" in Ukraine and dubbed the action as "illegitimate". In a 17-minute pre-recorded message, the Russian President addressed the BRICS Business Forum meeting on Tuesday, where he threatened to …

Putin was meant to be at a summit in South Africa this week. Why was he asked to stay away?
1 year, 4 months ago

Putin was meant to be at a summit in South Africa this week. Why was he asked to stay away?

Associated Press  

JOHANNESBURG — Vladimir Putin will be the odd one out when leaders from the BRICS economic bloc of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa meet in Johannesburg this week. An International Criminal Court arrest warrant issued for the Russian president put summit host South Africa in a sticky situation and ultimately resulted in Putin staying at home. South Africa, …

Russian President Vladimir Putin reveals reason for not attending BRICS summit
1 year, 5 months ago

Russian President Vladimir Putin reveals reason for not attending BRICS summit

Live Mint  

Russian President Vladimir Putin while attending a press conference on Saturday downplayed concerns regarding not attending the BRICS summit in Johannesburg. Russia had previously clarified that Putin would not be attending the BRICS summit in person, while Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov would represent the country. “By mutual agreement, President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation will not attend the summit …

Putin says African proposal could be basis for peace in Ukraine
1 year, 5 months ago

Putin says African proposal could be basis for peace in Ukraine

Al Jazeera  

The proposal floats a series of possible steps to defuse the conflict, including a Russian troop pullback from Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that an initiative presented by African leaders could be a basis for peace in Moscow’s war on Ukraine but claimed that attacks from Kyiv made a cessation of hostilities “virtually impossible”. The proposal, according to …

Putin downplays skipping BRICS Summit in S Africa amid ICC warrant controversy: 'My presence is more...'
1 year, 5 months ago

Putin downplays skipping BRICS Summit in S Africa amid ICC warrant controversy: 'My presence is more...'

India TV News  

Nearly two weeks after the Kremlin announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin would not attend the upcoming BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, he was seen downplaying his absence when several reporters asked him the reason behind his decision. Putin to attend BRICS Summit virtually Meanwhile, during the presser, Putin said he is in contact with his colleagues-- referring to the leaders …

Putin opted out not to 'jeopardise' BRICS summit: South Africa
1 year, 5 months ago

Putin opted out not to 'jeopardise' BRICS summit: South Africa

The Hindu  

Russian President Vladimir Putin decided against attending an upcoming BRICS summit in Johannesburg in person because he did not want to "jeopardise" the talks, a top South African diplomat said Thursday. Mr. Putin's potential visit had posed a diplomatic and legal dilemma for South Africa ahead of the August 22-24 meeting. South Africa's ambassador-at-large for Asia and the BRICS, Anil …

Russia’s Vladimir Putin to skip BRICS summit in South Africa due to…
1 year, 5 months ago

Russia’s Vladimir Putin to skip BRICS summit in South Africa due to…

Live Mint  

Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend next Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend the BRICS summit in South Africa next month. Putin will be the only BRICS leader to attend the summit virtually while all other leaders will join the event in person in South Africa. “By mutual agreement, President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation will not …

Russian President Putin won’t travel to South Africa for BRICS summit
1 year, 5 months ago

Russian President Putin won’t travel to South Africa for BRICS summit

The Hindu  

Russian President Vladimir Putin will not travel to South Africa to attend the upcoming BRICS summit, his spokesperson has announced. Instead, Mr. Putin will participate in the summit through video conference, Russian President’s spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declared in a statement on Wednesday. “Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will attend the summit in person,” said Mr. Peskov, assuring that the Russian …

Vladimir Putin to skip Brics summit in South Africa where he faced risk of arrest
1 year, 5 months ago

Vladimir Putin to skip Brics summit in South Africa where he faced risk of arrest

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The announcement that Mr Putin …

South Africa says Putin will skip a Johannesburg summit next month because of his ICC arrest warrant
1 year, 5 months ago

South Africa says Putin will skip a Johannesburg summit next month because of his ICC arrest warrant

Associated Press  

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — Vladimir Putin has agreed not to attend an economic summit in Johannesburg next month that will include China’s premier and other world leaders because of an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court for the Russian president, South African authorities said Wednesday. Russia and summit host South Africa reached a “mutual agreement” that Putin would …

Putin to miss BRICS summit by mutual agreement, South Africa says
1 year, 5 months ago

Putin to miss BRICS summit by mutual agreement, South Africa says

Al Jazeera  

Putin’s absence at the summit has been announced by the South African presidency, ending months of speculation. Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend the summit of the BRICS group of nations in South Africa in August “by mutual agreement”, South Africa’s presidency has said. “By mutual agreement, President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation will not attend the summit, …

Putin won't attend a South Africa summit next month, avoiding possible arrest
1 year, 5 months ago

Putin won't attend a South Africa summit next month, avoiding possible arrest

NPR  

Putin won't attend a South Africa summit next month, avoiding possible arrest Enlarge this image toggle caption Sergei Chirikov/AP Sergei Chirikov/AP JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be attending an economic summit in Johannesburg next month, South Africa's government said Wednesday. "By mutual agreement, President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation will not attend the Summit …

South African leader says that arresting Putin if he comes to Johannesburg next month would be 'war'
1 year, 5 months ago

South African leader says that arresting Putin if he comes to Johannesburg next month would be 'war'

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} South …

South African leader says that arresting Putin if he comes to Johannesburg next month would be ‘war’
1 year, 5 months ago

South African leader says that arresting Putin if he comes to Johannesburg next month would be ‘war’

Associated Press  

JOHANNESBURG — South Africa’s president said Tuesday that arresting Russian President Vladimir Putin — should he show up at an economic summit next month in Johannesburg — would amount to a “declaration of war” by his country. South Africa’s biggest political opposition party, the Democratic Alliance, has tried to compel President Cyril Ramaphosa’s government to pledge to arrest Putin in …

South Africa says arresting Putin would be ‘declaration of war’
1 year, 5 months ago

South Africa says arresting Putin would be ‘declaration of war’

Al Jazeera  

Putin’s arrest would undermine South African-led mission to end war in Ukraine, President Ramaphosa says. South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa said that any attempt to arrest Russian President Vladimir Putin when he visits the country next month would be a declaration of war with Russia. Ramaphosa said in court papers that were released on Tuesday that “Russia has made it …

Putin wants to attend an August summit. Host country South Africa doesn't want to have to arrest him
1 year, 5 months ago

Putin wants to attend an August summit. Host country South Africa doesn't want to have to arrest him

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Russian …

Putin wants to attend an August summit. Host country South Africa doesn’t want to have to arrest him
1 year, 5 months ago

Putin wants to attend an August summit. Host country South Africa doesn’t want to have to arrest him

Associated Press  

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to attend an economic summit in South Africa next month and the country is desperately trying to persuade him to stay away to avoid the legal and diplomatic fallout over his international arrest warrant, South Africa’s deputy president said in an interview with a news website on Friday. But Russia …

Russian President Putin meets African leaders to discuss Ukraine peace plan
1 year, 6 months ago

Russian President Putin meets African leaders to discuss Ukraine peace plan

The Hindu  

Russian President Vladimir Putin on June 17 met with a group of leaders of African countries who traveled to Russia on a self-styled “peace mission” the day after they went to Ukraine, but the meeting ended with no visible progress. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said after the three-hour meeting that the Africans' peace plan consisted of 10 elements, but “was …

African leaders visit Russia to discuss their peace plan with Putin, after Ukraine trip
1 year, 6 months ago

African leaders visit Russia to discuss their peace plan with Putin, after Ukraine trip

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

Putin meets with African leaders in Russia to discuss Ukraine peace plan, but no visible progress
1 year, 6 months ago

Putin meets with African leaders in Russia to discuss Ukraine peace plan, but no visible progress

Associated Press  

KYIV, Ukraine — Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday met with a group of leaders of African countries who traveled to Russia on a self-styled “peace mission” the day after they went to Ukraine, but the meeting ended with no visible progress. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said after the three-hour meeting that the Africans’ peace plan consisted of 10 elements, …

Russian minister attends meeting of developing economies as bloc discusses adding Saudi Arabia, Iran
1 year, 7 months ago

Russian minister attends meeting of developing economies as bloc discusses adding Saudi Arabia, Iran

Associated Press  

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met Thursday with China’s deputy foreign minister and other top diplomats from the BRICS bloc of developing economies for discussions that included the group’s possible expansion to include the major oil-producing nations of Saudi Arabia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates. Thursday’s meeting in Cape Town of the foreign ministers …

South Africa mulls legal options on ICC warrant against Russia’s Putin
1 year, 7 months ago

South Africa mulls legal options on ICC warrant against Russia’s Putin

The Hindu  

A meeting of Foreign Ministers from the BRICS countries in South Africa on June 1 was overshadowed by questions about whether Russian President Vladimir Putin would be arrested if he attended a summit of the five-nation bloc in August. South Africa's Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor said it was mulling legal options if Mr. Putin, the subject of a war crimes …

Over Putin arrest row, South Africa may switch BRICS Summit's venue: Report
1 year, 7 months ago

Over Putin arrest row, South Africa may switch BRICS Summit's venue: Report

Hindustan Times  

South Africa is considering switching the venue of an upcoming summit of BRICS leaders to another country, according to people familiar with the matter, a move that would resolve its dilemma over whether to execute an international arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin. “That is what we know as of today.” South Africa has invited Putin, along with the …

Putin arrest warrant an issue for summit of developing nations
1 year, 7 months ago

Putin arrest warrant an issue for summit of developing nations

LA Times  

Russian Foreign Minster Sergey Lavrov attends a meeting with his counterparts from the BRICS economic bloc of developing nations in Cape Town, South Africa, on Thursday. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met in South Africa with counterparts from the BRICS economic bloc of developing nations for discussions Thursday that were preceded by officials questioning the West’s intentions in the war …

Possible Putin trip in spotlight as Russia, China foreign ministers set for meeting in South Africa
1 year, 7 months ago

Possible Putin trip in spotlight as Russia, China foreign ministers set for meeting in South Africa

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The …

South Africa grants Vladimir Putin, other Russian officials diplomatic immunity for BRICS summit
1 year, 7 months ago

South Africa grants Vladimir Putin, other Russian officials diplomatic immunity for BRICS summit

The Hindu  

South African government has granted diplomatic immunity to all international participants, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and other Russian officials, at BRICS-related events to be held in the country, local media reported. In Focus Podcast | Vladimir Putin, the ICC warrant and the Ukraine war A warrant for Mr. Putin's arrest was issued by the International Criminal Court in The …

South Africa grants diplomatic immunity to Russia President Vladamir Putin, other officials for BRICS-related event, snubs International Criminal Court diktat
1 year, 7 months ago

South Africa grants diplomatic immunity to Russia President Vladamir Putin, other officials for BRICS-related event, snubs International Criminal Court diktat

Op India  

South African government has granted diplomatic immunity to all international participants, including Russia President Vladamir Putin and other Russian officials, at BRICS-related events to be held in the country, local media reported. A gazetted notice was issued by the International Relations and Cooperation Minister Naledi Pandor for the Diplomatic Immunity and Privileges Act to be granted to all international officials …

Opposition sues South Africa government to force Putin arrest
1 year, 7 months ago

Opposition sues South Africa government to force Putin arrest

Al Jazeera  

The ICC warrant to arrest Putin has launched a debate in South Africa which now faces a diplomatic dilemma ahead of the BRICS summit. South Africa’s leading opposition party said on Tuesday it had taken legal action to force the government to arrest Russian President Vladimir Putin if he were to attend a planned summit in the country. In March, …

South Africa to dodge calls for Putin’s arrest by moving summit
1 year, 7 months ago

South Africa to dodge calls for Putin’s arrest by moving summit

The Telegraph  

South Africa’s refusal to condemn Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine and its hosting of war games with China and Russia have long frustrated the West. Tensions increased sharply earlier this month when the US ambassador accused South Africa of shipping arms to Russia last year. Leaders of the Brics bloc of nations are due to meet in South Africa in August …

South Africa ANC General Secretary exposes BBC's and Britain's hypocrisy: Watch
1 year, 7 months ago

South Africa ANC General Secretary exposes BBC's and Britain's hypocrisy: Watch

Op India  

On Wednesday, the UK-based British Broadcasting Corporation’s journalist, Stephen Sackur was roasted by a top official in South Africa’s ruling party, Fikile Mbalula over the issue of war crimes committed by Britain and other Western nations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The saga began as African National Congress Secretary General Fikile Mbalula in an exclusive interview with the BBC stated that …

South Africa under more scrutiny over Russian ship as ruling ANC says it would ‘welcome’ Putin
1 year, 7 months ago

South Africa under more scrutiny over Russian ship as ruling ANC says it would ‘welcome’ Putin

Associated Press  

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — The South African government was under more pressure Wednesday for declining to release cargo documents relating to the visit by a Russian ship that the United States alleges collected a consignment of weapons for Moscow. Separately, a top official in South Africa’s ruling party added to the scrutiny of the country’s relationship with Russia by …

S Africa army chief visits Moscow in wake of US weapons claim
1 year, 7 months ago

S Africa army chief visits Moscow in wake of US weapons claim

Al Jazeera  

Visit to Moscow follows US allegations that weapons were loaded on to a Russian ship in Cape Town in December. The South African National Defence Force said on Monday that the meeting was “planned well in advance” as part of “a long-standing arrangement” and was a “goodwill visit” at the invitation of the Russian army. “The SANDF receives numerous military …

US ambassador accuses South Africa of providing weapons, ammo to Russia
1 year, 7 months ago

US ambassador accuses South Africa of providing weapons, ammo to Russia

Associated Press  

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — The U. S. ambassador to South Africa accused the country Thursday of providing weapons and ammunition to Russia for its war in Ukraine via a cargo ship linked to a sanctioned company that docked secretly at a naval base near the city of Cape Town in December. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said an investigation …

Putin ICC warrant debate goes on in South Africa: What to know
1 year, 8 months ago

Putin ICC warrant debate goes on in South Africa: What to know

Al Jazeera  

Many in government and the opposition are united in proclaiming South Africa’s reluctance to arrest Putin when he visits in August. However, ICC President Piotr Hofmanski has said, “The court has jurisdiction over crimes committed in the territory of a state party or a state which has accepted its jurisdiction,” he told Al Jazeera. Vuyo Zungula, leader of the African …

'Flip-flop' Ramaphosa: South African prez says want out of ICC, office eats his words
1 year, 8 months ago

'Flip-flop' Ramaphosa: South African prez says want out of ICC, office eats his words

Firstpost  

Johannesburg: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa Tuesday announced that his country will quit the International Criminal Court, which issued an arrest warrant against Russian President Vladimir Putin in March. During a press conference co-hosted with President of Finland Sauli Niinisto on Tuesday, Ramaphosa said: “The governing party, the African National Congress, has taken the decision that it is prudent that …

S Africa backtracks on quitting ICC, blames communications error
1 year, 8 months ago

S Africa backtracks on quitting ICC, blames communications error

Al Jazeera  

The ruling ANC says South Africa’s withdrawal had been raised at a weekend meeting of its executive council but the country remains a signatory to the court. Hours earlier, Ramaphosa had said the African National Congress had decided to withdraw South Africa from the court, which last month issued an arrest warrant against Russian President Vladimir Putin. “The presidency wishes …

Russia panicking over Vladimir Putin's arrest warrant: Can he actually be arrested?
1 year, 8 months ago

Russia panicking over Vladimir Putin's arrest warrant: Can he actually be arrested?

Firstpost  

Though the ICC issued a warrant for Vladimir Putin over his suspected involvement in the unlawful deportation of children from Ukraine, it has no power to enforce such an arrest. While he can technically be arrested in 123 countries that are signatories to the ICC, history shows this is unlikely In March, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant …

Russia’s Lavrov defends naval drills with S Africa during visit
1 year, 11 months ago

Russia’s Lavrov defends naval drills with S Africa during visit

Al Jazeera  

South Africa has remained neutral on Russia’s war in Ukraine but is a strategic military and trade partner for Moscow. Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov has said that Moscow did not want any “scandals” regarding joint naval drills between Russia, China and South Africa scheduled for next month. Both countries have also been trade partners for years, with South African …

Putin enters contest for Africa after humbling US in Middle East
5 years, 2 months ago

Putin enters contest for Africa after humbling US in Middle East

Al Jazeera  

Russia hosts African leaders in its first conference for the region, but China and EU dominate trade with the continent. “The power vacuums created by a lack of Western policy focus in recent years” are giving it “an opportunity to curry favor.” The two-day summit in Sochi co-hosted with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, the current African Union chairman, is an …

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