Putin Makes Return to G20 Summit After Long Absence
Vladimir Putin, the Russian President, is set to make an appearance at the G20 summit, a gathering of 20 leading industrialized and emerging economies, for the first time in a while. This virtual meeting, happening on Wednesday, sees Putin wanting to share Russia's perspective on the current "chaotic" global situation, according to Moscow's statements.
The last time Putin attended a G20 summit was before the Ukraine conflict escalated, leading to his subsequent exclusion from top international meetings by Western states. This stance was reinforced by an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on suspicion of abducting Ukrainian children.
A significant aspect of international relations is currently being tested, as Putin prepares to attend the G20 summit despite the ICC's arrest warrant against him. The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with Putin facing allegations of war crimes, is a subject of intense scrutiny.
The ICC has voiced its concern over Russia's arrest warrants, particularly for Judge Tomoko Akane, who issued warrants for Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova. Russia's move is seen as an attempt to undermine the ICC's authority and independence, sparking a backlash.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy have both offered their opinions. Scholz criticized the G20 summit's final declaration for not explicitly pinpointing Russia's responsibility in the Ukraine war, a sentiment reflected by a lack of unity among G20 members. Zelenskiy, on the other hand, was disappointed that the G20 didn't take a stronger stance against Russia, even after Putin issued a decree easing nuclear weapon usage criteria.
Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who will host the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro next year, was evasive when questioned about enforcing the ICC's arrest warrant if Putin attends. Most recently, Putin was represented at G20 summits by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
In essence, Putin's attendance at the G20 summit, despite the ICC's arrest warrant and ongoing war crimes allegations, poses a challenging diplomatic situation. It underscores the need for a unified stance against Russia's actions in Ukraine, a goal that remains elusive due to varying diplomatic strategies and priorities across G20 member states.
