South Africa Declines to Invite Putin to 2025 G20 Summit Amid ICC Warrant

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Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be invited to the upcoming G20 summit in South Africa due to the outstanding arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC), South African presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirmed on Dec. 15 in an interview with Russia’s state-owned TASS news agency.

 

The legal situation surrounding Putin’s ICC warrant remains unchanged since South Africa last grappled with the issue during the August BRICS summit in Johannesburg. “The legal situation has not changed since the BRICS summit in Johannesburg. We cannot influence the ICC's decisions in any way,” Magwenya explained. South Africa, which began chairing the G20 on Dec. 1, must adhere to the ICC’s mandates as a signatory to the Rome Statute. The next G20 summit is scheduled to take place on Nov. 21-22, 2025.

 

South Africa’s position highlights the delicate balancing act the nation maintains between its legal obligations under international law and its geopolitical alliances. While officially declaring neutrality in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, South Africa has simultaneously worked to strengthen its economic and political ties with Moscow. The nation’s BRICS membership alongside Russia, China, and other emerging economies underscores this relationship. Last year, South Africa participated in joint naval drills with Russia and China, signaling deeper cooperation despite international scrutiny.

 

The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Putin in March 2023, accusing him of war crimes related to the alleged forced deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia following its February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The warrant significantly restricts Putin’s international travel, as ICC member states are obligated to detain him upon entry.

 

South Africa’s adherence to the Rome Statute means hosting Putin would have exposed the nation to severe diplomatic and legal challenges. This same dilemma compelled Putin to avoid attending the BRICS summit earlier this year, where he was represented by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Similarly, Putin refrained from attending the November G20 summit in Brazil, another ICC signatory, choosing instead to send Lavrov.

 

Despite these restrictions, Putin continues to engage in selective diplomatic outreach. In September, he visited Mongolia, an ICC member state, where he received a notably warm reception in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar. Meanwhile, Russia maintains close ties with several G20 countries, including China and India, which have deepened economic cooperation with Moscow amid its ongoing full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

 

South Africa’s decision to uphold the ICC warrant by excluding Putin from its G20 summit underscores the broader international tensions surrounding the Russian leader’s legal and political predicament. While the nation seeks to navigate its commitments under international law, its close ties with Russia and other BRICS nations add layers of complexity to an already intricate geopolitical landscape.

 

Based on a report by Kyiv Independent 2024-12-18

 

 

 

[Bkk Brian]

South Africa is using the ICJ for its baseless genocide allegations against Israel so it would be extremely difficult for them to ignore an ICC arrest warrant without looking more foolish and vindictive then they already are. Terrorist supporters never win in the end.

[JonnyF]

South Africa trying to take the moral high ground on any issue is hilarious 😆.

 

I worked there on a project for a month in 2001. Couldn't get out fast enough. What a violent, crime ridden cesspit, and it's only got worse since then.