BRICS Fearing Arrest: Putin to Decide on Summit Attendance. Will Vladimir Putin risk arrest or expose his fear? The question looms large as the BRICS nations prepare for their upcoming summit. President Vladimir Putin of Russia will not attend next month's Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) summit in South Africa due to an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant for his arrest. South Africa confirmed Wednesday that President Vladimir Putin won’t attend a summit with leaders from Brazil, India, China and South Africa in Johannesburg next month, resolving a dilemma for the host nation. The International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant for war crimes has presented a significant challenge. Vladimir Putin has addressed a summit of the BRICS group of emerging economies virtually to avoid an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant for his arrest for war crimes, but a physical appearance carries greater weight. Mr. Brown observes, “Either Putin attends the BRICS Summit, risking arrest, or by staying away he exposes his fear of being arrested. Whichever outcome, a line will be crossed.” The decision has significant implications for BRICS and Russia's international standing.