Leaders of the world’s largest economies yesterday appeared ready to convey a strong message from most condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as US President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy pressed the group to maintain pressure on Moscow over its nine-month war that has devastated Ukraine and roiled the global economy.
A draft declaration by leaders of the G20 major economies under discussion echoes the condemnation of Russia’s war on Ukraine by the UN, while acknowledging differing views among members.
The careful wording of the statement reflects tensions prevailing at the gathering, which includes leaders from Russia and China, and the challenge facing the US and its allies to isolate Russian President Vladimir Putin’s government as some nations seek to avoid becoming entangled in antagonisms between the big powers.
Photo: EPA-EFE
The statement seen yesterday by The Associated Press “deplores in the strongest terms the aggression by the Russian Federation” and “demands its complete and unconditional withdrawal from the territory of Ukraine.”
The G20 draft statement also noted there were different views on the situation and sanctions against Russia, saying that the G20 was not the forum for resolving security issues.
At the summit, Zelenskiy joined Biden in trying to persuade the G20 to further isolate Russia diplomatically and economically, despite a souring global financial outlook that has tested many nations’ resolve.
Inflation and slowing economies are weighing on countries that have imposed penalties on Russia for starting the war. Higher costs for energy and food have destabilized business activity around the world, as much of Europe prepares to brave the winter without imports of Russian natural gas.
In opening the summit, host Indonesian President Joko Widodo impressed on the gathering what is at stake. “If the war does not end, it will be difficult for the world to move forward,” he said.
In a video address to the leaders from Kyiv, Zelenskiy reiterated 10 conditions for ending the conflict, among them a complete withdrawal of Russian troops and full restoration of Ukrainian control of its territory.
“Ukraine should not be offered to conclude compromises with its conscience, sovereignty, territory and independence,” he said. “Ukraine has always been a leader in peacekeeping efforts, and the world has witnessed it. And if Russia says that it supposedly wants to end this war, let it prove it with actions.”
European Council President Charles Michel also urged other global powers to intensify pressure on Russia, but it was unclear how many nations would embrace the relatively tough language in a final statement.
At the summit, Biden held a bilateral meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who played a pivotal role this summer in brokering a deal to open up Ukrainian grain exports to ease global food shortages.
Biden also met briefly with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose cooperation is needed to secure a US-sought price cap on Russian oil to limit the profits Moscow uses to invest in its defense base.
The US and its allies have responded to Russia’s invasion with export controls and other sanctions, making it harder for Russia’s military to access key technologies and resupply with drones, artillery and other weapons.
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