Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has reaffirmed that Russian leader Vladimir Putin will not face arrest if he attends the upcoming Group of 20 (G20) meeting in Rio de Janeiro next year. This statement comes amidst international concerns after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant against Putin in March.
Speaking to the Firstpost news show on the sidelines of the G20 meeting in Delhi, President Lula confirmed that Putin would be invited to the G20 event scheduled to be hosted in Brazil. Lula also expressed his intention to attend a BRICS bloc meeting scheduled in Russia prior to the Rio gathering.
“I believe that Putin can go easily to Brazil. What I can say to you is that if I’m president of Brazil, and he comes to Brazil, there’s no way he will be arrested,” President Lula asserted.
The ICC had issued an arrest warrant against Putin, accusing him of war crimes related to the alleged illegal deportation of hundreds of children from Ukraine. Russia has consistently denied any involvement in war crimes or forcibly relocating Ukrainian children.
Notably, Putin has been absent from recent international gatherings and did not attend the G20 meeting in Delhi. Instead, he was represented by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
Brazil, as a signatory to the Rome Statute, is bound by international obligations, including cooperation with the ICC. However, President Lula’s firm stance underscores Brazil’s commitment to hosting a diplomatic and inclusive G20 meeting.
Lula’s office has not issued an immediate response to requests for further comment on the matter.
During the G20 meeting in Delhi, the member nations reached a consensus declaration that refrained from explicitly condemning Russia for its actions in Ukraine. Instead, the statement called on all states to refrain from using force to acquire territory, emphasizing the importance of upholding international law, territorial integrity, sovereignty, and international humanitarian principles.
The declaration also expressed support for initiatives aimed at achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine and strongly condemned the use or threat of the use of nuclear weapons.
As preparations for the G20 meeting in Rio de Janeiro continue, the international community will closely watch developments to ensure that diplomatic efforts prevail amidst the ongoing geopolitical challenges.
