Brazil's Lula backtracks on comment that Putin can attend Rio G20 without fear of arrest

In a surprising turn of events, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has backtracked on his earlier statement suggesting that Russian President Vlimir Putin could attend upcoming G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro without facing risk of arrest.

Lula's initial comments raised eyebrows internationally, considering International Criminal Court (ICC) h issued a warrant for Putin's arrest over alleged war crimes in Ukraine. As a signatory to Rome Statute, Brazil is obligated to cooperate with ICC. However, Lula appeared to downplay se concerns during an interview with an Indian journalist.

On sidelines of India's G20 in New Delhi last weekend, Lula remarked, "re was no reason Putin would be detained if he traveled to November 2024 summit in Brazil."

This statement contricted Brazil's Foreign Minister, Mauro Vieira, who h previously suggested that Putin could face 'issues' if he traveled to any ICC member state.

Amidst growing outcry and concern, Lula clarified his stance on Monday, stating, "If Putin decides to go to Brazil, it's justice system that will take decision over wher he should be arrested, not government or Congress. I didn't even know this court existed."

Brazil's conflicted stance on Ukraine

Lula's refusal to take a clear stance in Ukraine-Russia conflict has drawn criticism from Western leers who support Ukraine's fight against Russia. Inste, Lula has positioned himself as a potential peace broker between Moscow and Kyiv, vocating for neutrality among some countries as a means to achieve peace. He stated, "I think everyone is starting to realize that humanity is growing tired of this war; people are growing tired."

However, some speculate that Brazil's reluctance to take sides may be influenced by its heavy reliance on Russian fertilizer for its agribusiness sector. Approximately a quarter of Brazil's fertilizer imports come from Russia.

International Reaction Oliver Stuenkel, an international relations specialist from Getúlio Vargas Foundation in São Paulo, criticized Lula's comments about not arresting Putin as 'damaging and unnecessary'. He expressed doubt about Putin's attendance, stating, "Putin was never going to come to Brazil anyways," and suggested that Lula appeared "inexperienced and ignorant" in his handling of situation.

Lula disclosed that he plans to attend next year's BRICS summit in Russia before G20 summit. It's worth noting that his far-right predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro, visited Putin in Moscow just days before Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.