Putin missed another international gathering of world leaders for fear of ICC arrest warrant
By Daily Tab24. Updated; Sep 10, 2023.
Long before this year’s G20 Summit in India, it was clear Putin would be forced to sit back in Moscow and watch from the screen as world leaders gather to discuss economy and security of the world. This fuels isolation of Russia – a country that is under pressure to leave Ukraine and end a so-called military operation that has led to territorial compromise, which is against international laws.
Putin, quite conscious of the arrest warrant against him is not ready to take chances, as staying firm in Russia is the only assured safety. He strongly believes the West can go any length to ensure he is brought down, and that includes arresting him should he leave his stronghold or safe haven. Missing the G20 Summit is not a problem; hence he could send a Russian representative.
G20 Summit is not the only international gathering Putin has missed this year. Few weeks ago, he missed BRICS meeting in South Africa. BRICS summit was so important to Putin to the point he had to address the gathering via video call. Since the invasion of Ukraine, Putin has faced difficult times internationally.
Russia has had a long issue with Ukraine since a pro-western leader emerged the leader of the country. Russia believes a pro-western leadership is a threat to its existence, prompting a crazy move to occupy Ukraine. The move to occupy Ukraine has been condemned by many, with Russia receiving different sanctions that isolated the country from the rest of the world.
Russia had openly said they want and will continue to have influence in the internal politics of its neighbors. According to Russia, influence in what goes on in the countries neighboring it is ‘key’ to the safety of Russia and its citizens. Putin’s foreign policy, especially with Russia’s neighbors is slightly authoritarianism based, he wants total influence on the countries, in return for peace and economic stability.
Belarus fully embraced Moscow, and being a pro-Moscow government, it enjoys peace and economic relations stable with Russia. Russia uses bullying strategy to bring its neighbors to conformity with its terms and conditions. Being a nuclear world power, Russia believes everything must go its way or it forces its way to what it wants.
18 months ago, Russia declared what it called ‘Military Operation’ in Ukraine and rolled its tanks and jets – pummeling the country and killing innocent citizens of once peaceful country. The reason was to force Ukraine to denounce and cut ties with the West. Being an independent country, Ukraine refused and said it would decide its future and will not be influenced by Russia.
The war in Ukraine displaced millions of people and killed thousands of citizens of Ukraine. Russia was accused of war crime and in March of this year, ICC declared Putin wanted for war crime.
The crime according to ICC was forceful or illegal deportation of hundreds of children from Ukraine. International Criminal Court finally issued strong arrest warrant and communicated countries of certified signatories to arrest Putin if seen.
