Mexico Invites Putin to Sheinbaum's Inauguration Amid ICC Warrant Controversy

Mexico has extended an invitation to Russian President Vladimir Putin for the inauguration of President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum. The invite has drawn attention due to an ICC arrest warrant against Putin. Mexico's recent interactions with Russia have sparked debate, considering the geopolitical tensions surrounding Russia.

Mexico has invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend the Oct. 1 inauguration of President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum, as reported by Russia's Izvestia newspaper. The invitation, confirmed by the Mexican embassy in Russia, gives Putin the option to attend personally or send a high-ranking official.

The Mexican foreign ministry referred comment requests to Sheinbaum's team, who did not immediately respond. It's notable that the ICC issued an arrest warrant against Putin in 2023 for war crimes involving the illegal deportation of hundreds of Ukrainian children after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Despite Mexico being an ICC member, the country has recently deepened ties with Russia. In June, Putin congratulated Sheinbaum on her electoral victory, and a Russian military unit participated in Mexico's September 2023 Independence Day parade, causing criticism of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador for engaging with forces involved in Ukraine's invasion.

(With inputs from agencies.)