Hindustan Times (Ranchi)

Russia’s war in focus at G20

A draft declaratio­n by leaders of the G20 on Tuesday said ‘most’ members strongly condemned Russian invasion of Ukraine

- Letters@hindustant­imes.com

NUSA DUA, INDONESIA: Leaders of the world’s largest economies appeared ready on Tuesday to convey a strong message from most condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky 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 Group of 20 major economies under discussion on Tuesday echoes the condemnati­on of Russia’s war on Ukraine by the United Nations, 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.

The statement seen on Tuesday 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, Zelensky 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 destabilis­ed business activity around the world.

In opening the summit, host

Indonesian President Joko Widodo impressed on the gathering what’s at stake.

“If the war does not end, it will be difficult for the world to move forward,” he said.

At the summit, Biden held a 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.

The US and its allies have responded to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine 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.

Chinese officials have largely refrained from public criticism of Russia’s war, although Beijing has avoided direct support of the Russians, such as supplying arms. Biden said that during his meeting on Monday with Chinese President Xi Jinping they discussed the war and “reaffirmed our shared belief” that the use or even the threat of nuclear weapons was “totally unacceptab­le” - a reference to Moscow’s veiled threats to use atomic weapons.

 ?? REUTERS ?? Indonesia President Joko Widodo (centre) addresses the G20 leaders summit in Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia, on Tuesday.
REUTERS Indonesia President Joko Widodo (centre) addresses the G20 leaders summit in Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia, on Tuesday.

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