**AMLO and Sheinbaum Respond to Ukraine; Won’t Detain Putin If He Comes to Mexico**
On August 8, 2024, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) of Mexico dismissed a request from the Ukrainian government to detain Russian President Vladimir Putin, should he visit Mexico. This request was based on an international arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over alleged war crimes.
“We cannot do that; it is not our responsibility [to detain Putin]. We are against wars; we stand for peace and have always proposed agreements and intermediations in situations like the Russia-Ukraine conflict,” AMLO stated during his morning press conference held at the Treasury Hall of the National Palace.
AMLO reiterated his previous proposal to engage Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pope Francis, and United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres in mediating peace talks to end the war and alleviate the suffering of the people in both Ukraine and Russia.
The Mexican president justified the invitation extended to Putin to attend the inauguration of Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, the president-elect of Mexico, scheduled for October 1, 2024. He stressed that Mexico had invited heads of state from all countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations.
AMLO pointed out that Mexico had severed diplomatic relations only with Ecuador, following an incident at its embassy, and with Peru. However, he emphasized that relations with most countries remain strong.
“Our policy involves inviting all, and it is up to governments to decide whether they will attend or send representatives. This falls under the diplomatic policy of Mexico,” AMLO explained.
Claudia Sheinbaum, speaking from her transition office in Iztapalapa, clarified that the invitation to Putin was part of a diplomatic effort extended to all countries with existing diplomatic ties to Mexico. She underlined Mexico’s constitutional commitment to peace.
“Mexico holds a vision of seeking peace worldwide, and we will continue with this policy. We’ll see who confirms attendance for the October 1 inauguration,” Sheinbaum remarked.
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**More on the Topic:**
**Ukrainian Government’s Reaction to Mexico’s Stance**
The Ukrainian government expressed disappointment over Mexico’s refusal to act on the ICC’s arrest warrant for Putin. Kyiv had hoped that international solidarity and enforcement of international law would prevail in Mexico’s dealings with the Russian leader.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry issued a statement urging all nations to adhere to the principles of justice and accountability. They emphasized that enforcement of the ICC’s warrants is essential to uphold international law and ensure that war crimes do not go unpunished.
**International Community’s Viewpoint**
The international community is observing Mexico’s stance with keen interest. Western governments and allies involved in the sanctioning of Russian officials have called for stricter adherence to international legal obligations. Some have voiced concerns that not detaining Putin could be seen as a soft stance on alleged war crimes.
In contrast, some nations argue that diplomatic engagements and mediations are pivotal in resolving ongoing conflicts. They praise Mexico’s consistent call for peace and dialogue, emphasizing that isolating world leaders might exacerbate conflicts rather than resolve them.
As the inauguration of Claudia Sheinbaum approaches, the question of Vladimir Putin’s potential attendance continues to draw global scrutiny, reflecting the intricate balance between diplomacy, international law, and the pursuit of peace.