The G20 leaders, who convened in Rio de Janeiro, adopted a joint declaration indicating a reduction in support for Ukraine.
The document does not contain a direct condemnation of Russia, and only one paragraph is dedicated to the war in Ukraine — significantly less than the seven paragraphs included in last year's declaration from New Delhi.
As noted by the Financial Times, amidst escalating Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities, including missile strikes on civilian infrastructure, some Western delegations attempted to push for stronger wording. However, their demands were not incorporated to avoid a rift among G20 participants, particularly Russia, China, and other nations supporting Moscow.
Western allies of Ukraine are increasingly urging Kyiv to consider peace negotiations with Russia, despite approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory remaining under occupation. Such calls are amplified by the electoral prospects of Donald Trump, who has promised to end the war even if it means cutting aid to Ukraine.
The publication emphasizes that the document contains vague statements about the "negative impact of the war" and appeals for a "just and lasting peace." It lacks references to the condemnation of nuclear threats, strikes on energy infrastructure, or the phrase "the current era should not be an age of wars," which were included in last year's statement.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan plans to propose a freeze on Russia's war against Ukraine at the G20 leaders' meeting in Rio de Janeiro.
Diplomats from European countries such as Germany and France expressed dissatisfaction with the softened rhetoric towards Ukraine. However, the document did not undergo any changes after this.
Source: ft.