Vladimir Putin reportedly expressed his desire to attend the G20 summit in Indonesia later this year as China described Russia as an “important member” in a dismissive of the possible buildup of pressure to expel China from Moscow over its war against Ukraine.
Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Lyudmila Vorobieva told a news conference that Putin is ready to travel to Bali in November to attend the G20 summit. She believes that Russia should not be expelled for invading Ukraine since the G20 is an economic forum.
“It will depend on many, many things including the Covid19 situation improving. So far his intention is… what he wants,” he said.
The G20 is the group of 20 of the world’s largest economies that coordinate and plan action on global economic and climate change issues.
Putin, who has largely avoided travel due to the coronavirus pandemic, signaled his preparedness at a time when he faces opposition and a raft of sanctions for his invasion of Ukraine.
This has brought traditionally neutral Jakarta, which now holds the rotating G20 presidency, to a place where Moscow’s presence at the event has the potential to prompt a boycott by other countries.
The US and other western nations are considering a possible move to exclude Russia from the G20, Reuters reported, citing sources involved in the discussions.
On Tuesday, Poland said it had suggested to US officials that Russia should be substituted in the group and that the suggestion had received a “favourable response”.
The push to expel Russia is likely to be opposed by other key G20 nations that are also Moscow allies, such as China, increasing pressure on Jakarta for a G20 boycott by other countries.
The Russian ambassador said the Western response was “completely disproportionate” and acknowledged that “many organizations are trying to expel Russia,” not just G20 members.
“Russia was invited,” Vorobieva said. “We very much appreciate the position of the Indonesian government, which has taken over the presidency of the G20 for this year.”
“Of course, the G20 is not a forum to discuss or resolve this type of crisis. Actually, it is a forum to improve the economic situation and solve economic problems.
China, which did not condemn Russia’s invasion but also appeared to distance itself from Moscow’s offensive against Ukraine, said Wednesday that no member had the right to depose another.
“The G20 is the most important forum for international economic cooperation,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told reporters. “Russia is an important member and no member has the right to exclude another country.”
“The G20 must implement genuine multilateralism, strengthen unity and cooperation,” he added.
So far, Indonesia appears to be taking a neutral stance in Moscow’s war against Ukraine. Even as President Joko Widodo refrained from directly condemning Russia for its aggression, Jakarta backed a UN General Assembly resolution condemning the invasion.
Jakarta declined to comment on calls for Russia to be excluded from the G20.
Russia’s participation in the G20 is expected to be discussed at a meeting between US President Joe Biden and his allies in Brussels on Thursday.
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Tuesday, “We believe things cannot be normal for Russia in international institutions and in the international community.”
Another person in the European Union told Reuters that talks would be held at the upcoming meeting on Russia’s status and that Indonesia would also be clarified.
“Indonesia has been made very clear that the presence of Russia at the upcoming ministerial meetings would be very problematic for European countries,” the source commented, adding that there is no clear procedure for excluding a country, however.