Russian President Vladimir Putin will not travel to Johannesburg for the BRICS summit in August, according to the office of his South African counterpart. Moscow will send Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov instead, the Kremlin confirmed, emphasizing that Putin will join the event via video link.

Putin to Take Part in BRICS Talks on Enlargement, Currency Matters on Conference Call

Russia’s head of state will not be among the leaders of the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) when they meet in person next month, Russian media reported, quoting the office of the South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. The statement elaborated:

By mutual agreement, President Putin will not attend the summit. The Russian Federation will be represented by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

Putin’s attendance has been in question since his indictment by the International Criminal Court (ICC). In March, the Hague-based intergovernmental organization issued an arrest warrant for him and Russia’s Commissioner for Children’s Rights, Maria Lvova-Belova.

Both have been accused of deportation of Ukrainian children from the conflict zone, among other charges. While Russia does not recognize the authority of the ICC, the Republic of South Africa is under its jurisdiction.

The summit will be held on Aug. 22 – 24 in South Africa’s largest city, Johannesburg, and will focus on important issues such as the bloc’s expansion and the use of the national currencies of the member states in trade.

Vladimir Putin will take part in the BRICS forum in South Africa via video link, his Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov told the RIA Novosti news agency, confirming Pretoria’s announcement.

“President Putin has decided to participate in the BRICS summit in the format of a video conference call. This will be a full-fledged participation. Minister Lavrov will be present at the meeting itself,” the Kremlin’s spokesman explained.

South Africa’s commitment to the successful holding of the upcoming “historic” BRICS summit and the recognition of the country’s legal obligations under the ICC’s Rome Statute determined the format of Russia’s participation, according to Vincent Magwenya, spokesman for Ramaphosa’s office.

Quoted by Russia’s Radio Sputnik, Magwenya added that he believes that Vladimir Putin’s absence will not interfere with the planned event since the Russian Federation will be represented by Foreign Minister Lavrov.

Do you think BRICS leaders will be able to make important decisions without Putin being present at the summit in person? Share your thoughts on the subject in the comments section below.