Russian President Vladimir Putin plans to attend a G20 summit in Indonesia later this year, according to Russia’s ambassador to Indonesia, dismissing suggestions from some G20 members that Russia be barred from attending.
Following its invasion of Ukraine, the United States and its Western allies are debating whether Russia should remain a member of the Group of Twenty major economies, according to sources involved in the discussions.
However, any attempt to exclude Russia would almost certainly be vetoed by others in the group, raising the prospect of some countries instead skipping G20 meetings, according to the sources.
Russia’s ambassador to Indonesia, which currently holds the rotating G20 chair, said Putin planned to attend the G20 summit in November on the Indonesian resort island of Bali.
“It will be determined by a variety of factors, including the improving COVID situation. So far, his intention has been… he wishes to, “Lyudmila Vorobieva, ambassador, stated at a press conference.
When asked about suggestions that Russia be kicked out of the G20, she said it was a forum for discussing economic issues, not a crisis like Ukraine.
“Of course, Russia’s expulsion from this type of forum will not aid in the resolution of these economic issues. On the contrary, it would be difficult to do so without Russia.”
The foreign ministry of Indonesia has declined to comment on calls for Russia to be kicked out of the G20.
On February 24, Russia launched an invasion of its southern neighbour.
Putin claims Russia is conducting a “special military operation” to prevent the Ukrainian government from committing genocide, an accusation the West dismisses as a fabrication.
Vorobieva urged Indonesia not to be swayed by Western pressure.
“We really hope that the Indonesian government will not give in to the horrible pressure that’s being applied not only to Indonesia but so many other countries in the world by the West,” said Vorobieva, who said Russia was actively taking part in all G20 meetings.
Russia is facing an onslaught of international sanctions led by Western countries aimed at isolating it from the global economy, including the suspension of its central bank’s transactions through the SWIFT global bank messaging system.
Poland said on Tuesday that it had suggested to US trade officials that it replace Russia in the G20 group, and that the suggestion had received a “positive response.”
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated that G20 members would have to make a decision, but that the issue was not a priority at this time.
“When it comes to the question of how to proceed with the WTO and the G20, it is critical to discuss this question with the countries involved rather than making individual decisions,” Scholz said.
When asked if President Joe Biden would push Russia out of the G20 when he meets allies in Brussels this week, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters at the White House, “We believe that it cannot be business as usual for Russia in international institutions and in the international community.”
However, before making any further statements, the US intends to consult with its allies, he said.
Separately, a European Union source confirmed the G20 discussions about Russia’s status.
“It has been made very clear to Indonesia that Russia’s presence at upcoming ministerial meetings would be extremely problematic for European countries,” the source said, adding that there was no clear process for excluding a country.
Dody Budi Waluyo, Indonesia’s deputy central bank governor, stated on Monday that Indonesia’s position was neutral and that it would use its G20 leadership to try to resolve problems, but Russia had made a “strong commitment” to attend and other members could not prevent it from doing so.
