Vladimir Putin’s absence from this year’s BRICS summit in Brazil marks a significant deviation from the usual gatherings of the group’s leaders. The Russian president’s decision reportedly stems from mounting international legal challenges, especially the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrant issued against him earlier this year. This unprecedented legal move has intensified diplomatic pressure on Moscow, complicating Putin’s travel plans to countries that support ICC mandates or could enforce the warrant.

The disruption caused by Putin’s non-attendance may influence both the dynamics within BRICS and the broader geopolitical landscape. Analysts highlight several potential implications:

  • Strained Russia-BRICS relations: Russia’s role as a key player might be undermined,…