By RTL News··Amended:
RTL
Mexico has invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to the inauguration of newly elected President Claudia Sheinbaum on October 1, Russian media reported, citing the Mexican embassy in Russia.
“Russia’s invitation to take part in the inauguration of President Sheinbaum has been sent to President Putin,” a representative of the Mexican embassy said, Russian media reported.
Whether the Russian president will actually attend the inauguration is not yet known. There is also a chance that Putin will appoint another high-ranking official to attend the ceremony on his behalf. There is an international arrest warrant in Putin’s name.
The arrest warrant was issued in 2023 by the International Criminal Court (ICC) because of war crimes committed by Russia. For example, he is said to have illegally deported hundreds of children from the neighboring country since invading Ukraine in February 2022.
Member of the ICC
While Russia is not a member of the ICC and the warrant would not apply within the country, the warrant would apply to Mexico, meaning that Mexico would theoretically be required to arrest Putin as soon as he enters the country.
However, there are doubts about whether Mexico would arrest the Russian president. These doubts stem from the rapprochement that the leaders of the two countries have sought with each other.
Putin congratulated Sheinbaum on her presidential victory in June, calling Mexico “a historically friendly partner of Russia in Latin America.” A Russian military unit also took part in a military parade last year to mark Mexico’s Independence Day, drawing heavy criticism.
All countries invited
Regarding the invitation to the inauguration, the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs says that the government has invited all countries with which Mexico has relations. International organizations of which the country is a member have also been invited.
