Putin Declines G20 Summit in Brazil, Plans Alternate Representative; Ready for Ukraine Talks

Oct 18, 2024, 02:55 PM

President Vladimir Putin has indicated that he will not attend the upcoming G20 summit in Brazil, citing concerns that his presence could disrupt the forum's work. This decision comes in the wake of an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes. Putin emphasized that Russia does not recognize the ICC and mentioned that the country could bypass the verdict through an agreement with Brazil. He also stated that Russia will select an alternate representative for the summit. Putin noted that the G20 is a useful forum if it is not politicized. In addition, Putin expressed readiness for dialogue on Ukraine at a peace conference in Saudi Arabia, provided that discussions are based on previously agreed terms. He clarified that Russia has not interrupted talks with Ukraine and urged Ukraine to lift its ban on negotiations with Russia.