Putin Once Again Skips G20 Summit: Reasons and Political Implications
Russian President Vladimir Putin has once again declined to participate in the G20 summit this year, held in South Africa.
The reason for his absence is linked to Moscow’s stance on the International Criminal Court (ICC) decision made in 2023, which issued a warrant for his arrest on charges including illegal deportation of Ukrainian children.
While Putin will not attend in person, the Kremlin assures that a high-level Russian delegation will represent the country, with details about the delegates to be announced later.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized that although Putin’s personal participation has been canceled, Russia will ensure a dignified presence at the forum.
This political move comes amid broader tensions, including recent reports that the meeting between Trump and Putin in Hungary was definitively canceled.
The ICC’s arrest warrant complicates international diplomatic relations and raises security concerns worldwide.
Russia dismisses the charges of war crimes, claiming the arrest warrant is illegitimate and politically motivated, though the international community is obliged to act in accordance with global law.
Notably, in 2023, Putin refused to attend the G20 summit in Brazil, citing fears of politicization and a desire to avoid further conflicts in international diplomacy.