Putin will be arrested if he arrives, South African opposition leader says

Democratic Alliance spokesman Alan Winde said it would be «unacceptable» to delay inviting the Russian leader to the BRICS summit. and unfortunate' Credit: MICHELE SPATARI/AFP

Vladimir Putin was threatened with arrest in South Africa ahead of a controversial visit later this year

The Premier of the Democratic Alliance-run Western Cape Province, which includes Cape Town, said that will order the local police to capture the Russian leader.

Alan Winde lashed out at the ruling African National Congress (ANC) government for seeking to welcome the Russian leader despite the International Criminal Court (ICC) ordering his arrest for deporting Ukrainian children.

Meanwhile, Ukraine on Friday said it was finishing preparations for a long-awaited counter-offensive against Russia, and its forces were basically ready.

Olesskiy Reznikov, defense minister, said: , we will do it.”

The country has faced the worst night of Russian missiles and drone strikes in nearly two months, killing at least 19 people.

South Africa should salute the leaders of Russia, China and other members of the BRICS bloc. summit in August.

Mr Winde said that insisting on an invitation would be “unacceptable and regrettable.”

He said: “Putin has consistently and brutally undermined the freedoms of the Ukrainian people and those in his own country who dare to take a principled stand against his cruel actions.”

The ICC warrant orders South Africa to arrest Putin if he visits the country, but the ANC has long-standing friendly relations with Moscow.

Vladimir Putin and Cyril Ramaphosa at the Russia-Africa Summit in Sochi in 2019. Photo: Reuters

ANC General Secretary Fikile Mbalula said earlier this week that the party believes Putin «can come here at any time.»

Mr Winde said local police in the Western Cape would act if the government did not take action. order the national police to act.

ANC supporters ridiculed Mr. Winde for exceeding his authority and wondered if he had the legal authority or resources to arrest the world leader.

Pretoria has not released a detailed itinerary for the summit, but has said it will take place in Gauteng province, so it is not clear if attendees will also visit the Western Cape.

Mr Winde said he would have police ready at the airport and if necessary will contact Interpol and the International Criminal Court to make an arrest.

Putin's allies have previously said that any attempt to arrest the Russian leader would be considered an act of war.

The Kremlin says the ICC arrest warrant Putin's alleged role in the deportation of hundreds of Ukrainian children is a biased decision.

Nevertheless, the potential presence of Putin at the summit created a serious diplomatic embarrassment for the President of South Africa.

Supporters of South Africa&#39 building of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation in Pretoria. Photo: AFP

Pretoria has said it refuses to take sides in the war in Ukraine, and the country has long accused the ICC of double standards. Some members of the ANC old guard remain fond of Moscow because of Soviet support during their fight against apartheid.

Earlier this week, Cyril Ramaphosa said the country would leave the court, but the ANC then declined to back his comments.< /p>

London and Washington were disappointed by Ramaphosa's warmth towards Russia and China, which included holding joint naval maneuvers earlier this year.

This week, the ANC sent a delegation to Washington amid fears that the US could retaliate by excluding South Africa from the trade deal.

Pretoria is looking for ploys to avoid confrontation, diplomatic sources have suggested

Last week, a leading Ukrainian activist said that for South Africa would be better off if Putin joins the summit.

Oleksandra Romantsova, executive director of the Ukrainian Center for Civil Liberties, which jointly received the Nobel Peace Prize last year, said: “If Putin comes here…they [South Africa] should arrest him. Difficult political situation. So better let Putin join via Zoom.”