Putin's Absence at BRICS Summit Sparks Controversy and Calls for Boycott

Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend the BRICS summit in South Africa next month due to an arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court. Putin stated that his presence in Russia is more important and that he will participate in the summit via video link. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will attend the summit in person. South Africa has faced pressure not to host Putin, and there are concerns that he could be arrested if he leaves Russian soil.