Putin Opts Out of G20 Summit Amid Growing International Pressure

Russian President Vladimir Putin has officially declined to attend the upcoming G20 summit scheduled for September 9-10 in New Delhi, citing a busy schedule and ongoing international developments. 

The Kremlin's spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, confirmed this decision, marking another absence from global diplomatic events.

Putin's absence from the recent BRICS summit also raised eyebrows, where he was represented by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The format of Putin's involvement in the G20 summit, however, remains uncertain and will be determined later, according to Peskov.

The Russian leader's conspicuous absence from international gatherings stems from a series of developments, including an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant issued against him in March. 

The ICC's warrant alleges Putin's involvement in a scheme to deport Ukrainian children to Russia, which led to South Africa, an ICC signatory and host of the G20 summit, potentially having to assist in his arrest if he were present.

As per reports, Kremlin sources cite Putin's "busy schedule" as the primary reason for his non-participation. Putin's current focus revolves around the ongoing conflict in neighboring Ukraine, which Russia has been embroiled in since its invasion in February 2022. This invasion prompted widespread international condemnation and resulted in unprecedented sanctions imposed by the United States and its allies.

It's worth noting that Putin also skipped the previous year's G-20 summit held in Indonesia. These absences underscore the increasing international isolation and scrutiny faced by the Russian President due to his government's actions in Ukraine and alleged involvement in the deportation scheme.

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