Discord at G-20 over Russian invasion
‘Difference’ of views about conflict, use of language hinder common stand
NUSA DUA, INDONESIA—Disagreement emerged at the G-20 summit as the United States and its allies backed a resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which the Russian foreign minister dismissed as unwarranted politicization, noting “differences” in views about the conflict. The West wanted to condemn Russia for its actions, but Moscow saw it as a “hybrid war that the West has unleashed.”
NUSA DUA, INDONESIA—Disagreement emerged at a Group of 20 (G-20) summit on Tuesday as the United States and its allies backed a resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which Russia’s foreign minister dismissed as mere politicization.
The summit in Bali is the first G-20 leaders’ meeting since Russia sent its troops into Ukraine in February.
The war, which Russia calls a “special military operation,” has overshadowed the meeting despite calls from host Indonesia for unity and a focus on action to resolve global economic problems like inflation, and food and energy security.
A draft declaration by leaders of the G-20 said “most” members strongly condemned the war in Ukraine.
“Our Western colleagues tried in every way to make that declaration politicized and tried to push through language that implied condemning the actions of the Russian Federation on behalf of the entire G-20, which includes us,” Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said.
“But let’s do this in a fair way and let’s make it clear that, on this topic, we have differences,” Lavrov said. “Yes, there is a war going on in Ukraine, a hybrid war that the West has unleashed,” he added.
Unacceptable
A US official said earlier the United States expected the G-20 to condemn Russia’s war in Ukraine and its impact on the global economy.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said there were encouraging signs of a consensus that Russia’s war against Ukraine was not acceptable.
G-20 ministers’ gatherings in the past have failed to produce joint declarations due to disagreement between Russia and other members on language, including on how to describe the war in Ukraine.
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told the summit in a virtual address that now was the time to stop Russia’s war in his country under a plan he has proposed “justly and on the basis of the UN Charter and international law.”
“Please choose your path for leadership—and together we will surely implement the peace formula,” he said.
Lavrov said, “All problems are with the Ukrainian side, which is categorically refusing negotiations and putting forward conditions that are obviously unrealistic.”
Prolonged conflict
He said the Ukrainian leader was dragging out the conflict and not listening to Western advice.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine triggered calls by some Western leaders for a boycott of the summit and for the withdrawal of Putin’s invitation but Indonesia refused to do so.
Russia said earlier Putin was too busy to attend the summit and Lavrov was taking his place.
The summit opened with a plea by Indonesian President Joko Widodo for unity and concrete action to mend the global economy despite deep rifts over the war.
“We have no other option, collaboration is needed to save the world,” he said. “G-20 must be the catalyst for inclusive economic recovery. We should not divide the world into parts. We must not allow the world to fall into another cold war.”