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Ukraine is asking Brazil to arrest Vladimir Putin if the Russian president attends the G20 summit in November. The request follows an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court. Brazil, as a signatory to the Rome Statute, will have to make a difficult decision that could impact its diplomatic relations.
A shadow hangs over Brazil, and it may be heavier than one might think. With the imminent G20 Leaders' Summit scheduled for November, a requirement of the Ucrania is leaving the Brazilian government at a diplomatic crossroads.
Ukraine wants Brazil to arrest Russian President Vladimir Putin if he attends the event.
The international pressure being exerted on Brasília could reconfigure global political dynamics and place Brazil in a prominent role that it never desired.
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The Ukrainian request and legal implications
According to the agency Reuters, Ukraine's Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin revealed that intelligence information indicates Putin's possible presence at the G20 Summit.
“It is the Brazilian authorities’ obligation to arrest Putin if he dares to visit,” Kostin declared, emphasizing that Brazil, as a signatory to the Rome Statute, must honor the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
This warrant, which dates back to March 2023, accuses Putin of war crimes, especially for the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children. The Kremlin, for its part, continues to deny any human rights violations.
Brazil at a diplomatic crossroads
Brazil finds itself in a delicate position. Despite the standard invitation sent to Putin for the summit, there is no confirmation so far that he will actually attend.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, when discussing the matter, caused controversy by stating that Putin could come to Brazil “without the risk of being arrested”.
However, after international pressure, Lula reassessed his position and made it clear that the decision on whether to comply with the warrant is up to the courts, not the government.
Lula also raised a crucial point by questioning the validity of the Rome Statute, since countries such as the US and Russia itself are not signatories.
This ambiguous stance reflects Brazil's desire to maintain a balance in global diplomatic relations while facing pressure from multiple sides.
The international impact and South Africa's precedent
The Brazilian situation is not unique. In August 2024, Putin cancelled its presence at the BRICS meeting in South Africa, also a signatory to the ICC.
Despite the invitation, the arrest warrant could force South African authorities to act. That possibility has created tension, showing how Putin's status is at risk in countries that follow international norms.
Putin also recently paid a visit to Mongolia, where, although the country is also a signatory to the Rome Statute, he was not arrested due to historical and economic ties between the nations.
Mongolia justified its lack of action on the arrest warrant based on its tradition of cooperation with Russia.
Pressure from Ukraine and the Brazilian position
Ukraine's Prosecutor General made it clear that Brazil's responsibility is monumental.
“If Brazil fails to comply with the warrant, it will be contributing to a culture of impunity that allows leaders accused of war crimes to travel without fear.”, Kostin warned.
This statement highlights the importance of Brazil's role on the international scene, and how the decision it makes could influence not only relations with Russia and Ukraine, but also its global reputation.
A growing tension for November
According to the portal O Globe 100, with the G20 Summit approaching, pressure on Brazil to comply with the ICC's orders is intensifying.
If Putin decides to attend, Brazil's decision to arrest the Russian leader could significantly impact its diplomatic relations and its standing on the international stage.
Should Brazil act as a faithful follower of the Rome Statute and arrest Putin, or prioritize its strategic position in global relations?
And you, do you think that Brazil should follow international order and arrest Vladimir Putin, even if this generates serious repercussions in its diplomatic relations?
