Russia refused a request by Ramaphosa for their delegation to be led by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov instead of Putin, South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile said, APA reports.

He said that discussions with Putin about his participation are ongoing. “We understand that we are subject to the Rome Statute, but we cannot invite someone and then you arrest them," said Mashatile.

Today, the President of the Republic of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa said that the BRICS summit to be held in his country will be held in a virtual format with the participation of the presidents of all 5 countries.

Source: Azeri-Press News Agency