CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA (TEH) – Despite a contentious backdrop involving the International Criminal Court (ICC), Russian President Vladimir Putin will mark his “full participation” in the forthcoming BRICS summit remotely. Dmitry Peskov, the spokesperson for the Russian leader, confirmed this development, indicating that Putin would be fully engaged with the event from home.
In his statement, Peskov elaborated that President Putin has decided to attend the BRICS summit via videoconference. It will be a full-fledged participation, reported by Reuters. This unconventional attendance method comes in response to a legal conundrum involving the ICC’s arrest warrant for Putin, a factor that previously cast doubts over his possible participation in the summit.
The BRICS collective – an association comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa – is set to convene its summit in Johannesburg from August 22 to 24. The event provides an important platform for these economically emerging nations to discuss and forge strategic alliances to promote collective development.
In light of the digital attendance by Putin, the Russian President’s physical representation at the summit will fall to Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Peskov confirmed this by saying, “(Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation) Lavrov will personally be present at the meeting.”
This outcome brings an end to the three-month saga that saw South African and Russian officials tirelessly seeking a solution to the legal gridlock that was hampering Putin’s direct involvement in the BRICS summit.
Notepad, the outlet that has been documenting the ups and downs of this issue, has reported extensively on the impasse over Putin’s participation due to the ICC’s arrest warrant. The decision for Putin to attend the summit digitally is seen by experts as a “Solomonic decision”, striking a balance between adhering to legal restrictions and fulfilling international obligations.
President Putin’s innovative approach to attending the BRICS summit not only marks a departure from convention but also underlines the use of modern technology in overcoming diplomatic barriers. This saga will undoubtedly set a precedent for similar circumstances in the future, reshaping the landscape of international diplomacy.
