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The War in Ukraine and Putin's G20 Summit

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Ritik Chakravaish

Whether you're for or against Putin's G20 summit, you should understand how the Russian president has been trying to play a role in the war in Ukraine. If he stays away from the event, a split could develop among Ukraine's Western supporters.

Russia welcomes foreign leaders to Indonesia

Despite intense diplomatic pressure, Indonesia is refusing to revoke its invitation to Russian President Vladimir Putin for the G20 summit. The summit, set to take place on November 15-16 in Bali, Indonesia, is the first gathering of the world's major economies since Russia invaded and annexed Crimea.

The summit is also expected to be dominated by tensions over Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has killed thousands and has roiled the global economy. Indonesia, which took over the G20 presidency in December, is pledging neutrality and said Russia's presence at the summit should not detract from its G20 mission.

While Indonesia has been reluctant to withdraw Putin's invitation, several G20 members have called for Russia's expulsion from the group. Some countries have even said they will boycott the summit if Putin is allowed to participate.

Russia tries to play a mediating role in the war in Ukraine

Despite its many shortcomings, Russia's invasion of Ukraine has had a number of important international consequences. It has forced a profound reconsideration of the European Union's and its neighbouring countries' interests. Moreover, it has highlighted the importance of hard power.

The US Ministry of Defence has made several declarations in response to the Ukrainian conflict. Among them is the intention to provide weapons to Ukraine. This is a clear signal of the US's growing concern about a possible Russian response.

Meanwhile, the Ukraine state is stretched thin to respond to a mounting humanitarian crisis. Local volunteer networks are also stretched thin.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's blitzkrieg invasion of Ukraine has failed to produce an agreed solution. The Russian regime's goal is to slowly carve up more territory. It also hopes that the Ukrainian spring will turn into the Russian winter.

Russia's aggression in Ukraine at the United Nations

Several days ago, the United Nations held an Emergency Special Session of the General Assembly to address Russia's unprovoked aggression in Ukraine. During the session, 141 of the 193 member states of the UN voted to oppose Russia's invasion of Ukraine. They called for Russia to cease its actions and pull back its troops.

There is no doubt that Russia's invasion of Ukraine is illegal. It constitutes a clear violation of the UN Charter's prohibition on using force against the territorial integrity of a state. It also sets the stage for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Amnesty International called on the UN Member States to condemn Russia's aggression and to provide humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine. It also urged the international community to secure redress for the victims of war crimes in Ukraine.

Russia's war is hitting the planet

During the past four months, Russia's war in Ukraine has caused unprecedented sanctions against the Russian economy. The European Union phased out most Russian oil imports by the end of the year. The United Kingdom has announced plans to ramp up renewable energy generation. Egypt procures more than 80 percent of its wheat from Ukraine. The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, warned that the war in Ukraine could plunge one-fifth of humanity into destitution.

Russia's war in Ukraine is reshaping the global energy system. Ukraine has been cut off from supplies of gas, fuel, and electricity. Russia's military exercises have tested its ability to fire nuclear warheads at Western targets. Russia's war is also putting pressure on global warming goals. The International Energy Agency has warned that no new oil and gas projects can be developed in the near future.

Russia's absence could create a split among Ukraine's Western supporters

Despite the war in Ukraine, the Group of 20 (G20) industrialized nations are scheduled to meet in Bali, Indonesia, this week. But the summit will be overshadowed by Russia's offensive in Ukraine.

G20 members have been divided on their response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Some have called for Russia to be suspended from the group, while others have been unwilling to participate in Western-led sanctions against Russia. Some have even attempted to establish a diplomatic role for Ukraine in the G20, but have failed.

Some G20 members have attempted to produce a joint declaration calling on Russia to cease its aggression. However, the group has failed to reach a consensus on language for the statement. The issue is expected to be discussed at the summit.

 

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Ritik Chakravaish
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