Indonesian President Volunteers to Mediate Russia-Ukraine Conflict... Visits Russia on the 30th

"Request to Putin to Stop the War"
Putin and Zelensky Invited Simultaneously to G20

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Hyun-woo] Indonesian President Joko Widodo announced that after attending the Group of Seven (G7) summit, he will visit Ukraine and Russia to mediate between the two countries. As the chair of this year's Group of Twenty (G20), Indonesia plans to fully utilize its chairmanship to lead peace negotiations between the two nations and address the food crisis.

On the 26th (local time), the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement saying that President Joko Widodo will visit Ukraine and Russia after attending the G7 summit, holding separate talks with the leaders of both countries and mediating peace negotiations. Although the specific itinerary has not yet been disclosed, it is known that President Joko Widodo is scheduled to travel to Russia on the 30th.

Earlier, President Joko Widodo departed for Germany to attend the G7 meeting held that day. Invited as the chair of this year's G20, President Joko Widodo stated at a press conference before departure, "I will ask President Putin to open a dialogue and immediately stop the war," and added, "We will seek solutions to the global food and energy crises."

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi also emphasized at a press conference that day, "President Joko Widodo will be the first Asian leader to visit both Ukraine and Russia since the outbreak of the Ukraine war," and stated, "President Joko Widodo chose to contribute to relations between the two countries instead of remaining silent. During this visit, discussions will focus on efforts to resolve the global food crisis triggered by the war and to establish peace."

Since the Ukraine crisis, Indonesia has maintained a non-aligned neutral diplomacy, continuing a balancing act between the West and Russia. Despite pressure from the West, including the United States and the European Union (EU), to exclude President Putin from attending the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia in November, the chairmanship has insisted on inviting President Putin. President Joko Widodo also invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the G20 summit under the authority of the G20 chair alongside President Putin.

However, it remains uncertain whether these mediation diplomatic efforts will yield clear results. According to Russia's TASS news agency, President Putin has not yet decided whether to attend the G20 summit in person or via video conference. Additionally, if he attends in person, there is a possibility that many Western leaders will boycott the event.