In a stark move, Russia has issued a warning that it may block the final declaration of the upcoming G20 summit if its views on Ukraine and other global crises are not adequately acknowledged. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made this announcement, emphasizing that without the inclusion of Russia's positions, participants may only be able to release a non-binding or partial communique.
Lavrov, a key figure in Russian diplomacy who has served as President Vladimir Putin's foreign minister for nearly two decades, is scheduled to represent Russia at the Group of 20 summit set to take place on September 9-10 in New Delhi. Notably, this will be one of Putin's rare international appearances, as he has not ventured abroad since an International Criminal Court arrest warrant was issued for him in March, accusing him of war crimes related to the conflict in Ukraine.
The crux of Russia's concerns lies in the ongoing Ukraine conflict, which began with Russia's invasion in February 2022. The Kremlin frames this war as an existential struggle against a Western agenda aimed at dismantling Russia and gaining control of its vast natural resources. In contrast, the West denies such ambitions but supports Ukraine's efforts to resist Russia's advances on the battlefield and has imposed significant economic sanctions in response to the invasion, which Russia labels as a "special military operation."
Several other major global players, including China, India, and Brazil, have called for peace in the region but have also reserved the right to determine their own relationships with Moscow. China, in particular, has accused the West of exacerbating the conflict by supplying weapons to Ukraine.
Lavrov's statements reflect Russia's frustration with the Western stance and its perception of Western interference in international institutions. He suggested that if consensus cannot be reached at the G20 meeting, the summit might result in a non-binding communique or a document focusing solely on decisions within the G20's purview, allowing each nation to express its own positions.
This warning from Russia underscores the deepening rift between Russia and the West, raising concerns about the ability of international organizations to address pressing global issues in a collaborative manner. As the G20 summit approaches, the world will be closely watching the outcomes and potential consequences of Russia's strong stance on its views regarding Ukraine and other global crises.
