Putin sends close aide to G20 summit

President Vladimir Putin will not be attending the G20 economic summit in South Africa this month. He will be sending a close aide, the second-in-command of the presidential staff, Maxim Oreshkin. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will also be sending a staff member.

Since Russia's massive attack on Ukraine in early 2022, Putin has rarely attended foreign summits. The International Criminal Court in The Hague wants him arrested for his role in Ukraine.

Since 1999, the G20 has been a consultative body for the largest economies and countries on their way to becoming so. The European Union and the African Union are also members. The summit will be held in Johannesburg from November 20 to 24.