The Russian president was invited to the gathering earlier this year, but a warrant subsequently issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) means South Africa would be expected to arrest him if he attends.

The Brics alliance represents some of the world's leading emerging economies, including Brazil, Russia, China, India and South Africa.

"Russia attaches enormous importance to the development of this format of integration. And Russia will take part in this summit at the proper level," Reuters quoted Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov as saying at a briefing.

When pressed further about the arrest warrant, he said: "Of course we count as a bare minimum on partner countries in such an important format not being guided by such illegal decisions."

South Africa has granted diplomatic immunity to officials attending the summit, but a foreign affairs spokesman added that such immunities were standard for international gatherings and did not override warrants issued by international tribunals.