War in Ukraine divides world leaders at G20 Summit in Bali
•US and allies condemn invasion •Russia slams ‘politicization’ of conflict
The US and its allies at the G20 Summit in Bali on Tuesday called for a declaration condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which Russia’s foreign minister dismissed as political interference.
The summit is the first G20 leaders’ meeting since the war began in February.
The conflict dominated the meeting despite calls from host Indonesia for unity and a focus on action to resolve global economic problems such as inflation, and food and energy security.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo opened the talks with a plea to end the fighting in Ukraine.
“We have no other option. Paradigm of collaboration is badly needed to save the world. We all have responsibility, not only for our people, but also for the people of the world,” Widodo said.
“Being responsible here also means that we must end the war. If the war does not end, it will be difficult for the world to move forward. If the war does not end, it will be difficult for us to take responsibility for the future of current generation and future generations. We must not allow the world to fall into another cold war.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appeared by video link and also said the war must end now. “I am convinced now is the time when the Russian destructive war must and can be stopped,” Zelensky said.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who is heading his country’s delegation in the absence of President Vladimir Putin, denounced the attempt to condemn Russia as politicization by Western countries that had tried unsuccessfully to include it in the declaration. Lavrov said Russia had put forward an alternative view and the draft would be completed on Wednesday.
G20 meetings in the past have failed to produce joint declarations because of disagreement between Russia and other members on language, including how to describe the war.