South African President Cyril Ramaphosa says arresting Russian President Vladimir Putin if he attends a BRICS summit next month in Johannesburg would amount to a declaration of war. Putin is the target of an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant that Pretoria, an ICC member, would be expected to carry out. South Africa’s leading opposition party, the Democratic Alliance, has gone to court to try to force the government to ensure that Putin is handed over. Ramaphosa described the move as "irresponsible" and said Russia has made it clear that arresting Putin “would be a declaration of war."
Arresting Putin Would be 'Declaration Of War,' South African President Says
Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks to reporters from state television in Moscow on July 13.