Russian President Putin decides not to attend BRICS summit in South Africa

In a significant diplomatic development, Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced that he will not be attending the upcoming BRICS nations summit in South Africa.

The decision, confirmed by the South African presidency on Wednesday, puts an end to months of speculation surrounding Putin's potential visit to the country. South Africa, the current chair of the BRICS group consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa itself, faced a delicate diplomatic situation concerning Putin's participation.

The Russian leader is subject to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC), and as a member of the ICC, South Africa would be obligated to implement the warrant should Putin set foot in the country.

According to a statement released by Vincent Magwenya, a spokesman for President Cyril Ramaphosa, the decision for Putin's absence was reached through mutual agreement. Instead of President Putin, the Russian Federation will be represented at the summit by its Foreign Minister, Mr. Sergei Lavrov.

The choice comes after President Ramaphosa held a series of consultations in recent months, with the most recent one taking place the previous night. The presidency had formally invited Putin to the BRICS summit scheduled to be held in Johannesburg from August 22 to 24. However, strong domestic and international pressures were urging South Africa not to host the Russian leader.

Despite the absence of President Putin, President Ramaphosa remains optimistic that the summit will be successful and has called on the nation to extend warm hospitality to the delegates arriving from various parts of the continent and the globe.