Mexico has invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to the inauguration of President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum on October 1, despite an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant issued against him for war crimes related to the deportation of Ukrainian children. The invitation was confirmed by the Mexican embassy in Russia, stating that Putin can choose to attend in person or send a representative. This move follows a trend of increasing ties between Mexico and Russia, with Putin previously congratulating Sheinbaum on her election victory and a Russian military unit participating in Mexico's Independence Day parade in September 2023, which drew criticism. While Russia is not an ICC member, Mexico is, raising questions about the implications of this diplomatic gesture. Experts interpret this invitation as a continuation of Mexico's policy of neutrality regarding the conflict in Ukraine. The Kremlin now faces the decision of whether Putin will attend the ceremony or appoint a high-ranking official to represent him.