Mexico Invites Putin to Sheinbaum's Inauguration Amid Controversy

Mexico invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to the inauguration of newly elected President Claudia Sheinbaum, despite the ICC's arrest warrant against him. The invitation has sparked criticism due to Mexico's growing ties with Russia and its controversial involvement in Ukraine.

Mexico has extended an invitation to Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend the Oct. 1 inauguration of newly elected President Claudia Sheinbaum, according to a report by Russia's Izvestia newspaper, citing Mexico's embassy in Russia.

"Russia’s invitation to take part in the inauguration of President Sheinbaum was sent to President Putin," a representative of the Mexican embassy said to Izvestia. It remains undecided whether Putin will attend the ceremony himself or delegate a high-ranking official.

The move comes amid a standing ICC arrest warrant against Putin for war crimes related to the deportation of Ukrainian children. While Russia is not an ICC member, Mexico is. Nevertheless, the two nations have strengthened ties, with Putin calling Mexico a "historically friendly partner in Latin America" after Sheinbaum’s election victory.

In September 2023, a Russian military unit's participation in Mexico's Independence Day parade fueled criticism towards former President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador for allowing a platform to forces involved in Ukraine's invasion.