Arresting Putin will be a 'declaration of war' - South Africa president

South Africa president has stated that any attempt to arrest Vladimir Putin when he visits South Africa would be a declaration of war against Russia.

Cyril Ramaphosa in court filings said he was firmly opposed to calls for Putin's arrest if he attends an economic summit slated for August this year in person.

Ramaphosa said South Africa's national security was at stake if the country decides to execute an arrest warrant against Putin as issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) which the country is a signatory to.

"South Africa has obvious problems with executing a request to arrest and surrender President Putin," he said in an affidavit.

"Russia has made it clear that arresting its sitting president would be a declaration of war. It would be inconsistent with our constitution to risk engaging in war with Russia."

Russia is not a signatory of ICC but if Putin flies into Johannesburg, he will be subject to the ICC warrant.

Putin is expected to represent Russia at the summit for members of the Brics countries - an acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. This bloc of fast-growing economies is seen by some as an alternative to the G7 group of advanced economies.

Putin is wanted by the ICC over Russia's military actions in Ukraine where they have been engaged in a war since February 2020.

South Africa's opposition party, Democratic Alliance have gone to court to compel government to arrest Putin yet another party has given assurances that it will provide Putin full protection when he arrives till he leaves.