G20 Leaders Adopt Joint Declaration... "Strong Condemnation of Russia's Invasion of Ukraine"

'Rejection of the word "war" adopted despite Russian opposition
Strong condemnation of Ukraine invasion and concerns over worsening global economic vulnerability'

G20 Summit. Photo by AP

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] The major 20-country (G20) summit held in Bali, Indonesia, concluded its two-day leaders' meeting by adopting a joint declaration condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine and calling for an end to the war.

According to major foreign media including AFP on the 16th (local time), G20 leaders stated in the declaration, "Most member countries strongly condemn the war in Ukraine in the strongest terms." However, they added, "There are different views and assessments regarding this situation."

A joint declaration condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine, led mainly by Western allies, was continuously pursued. However, due to opposition from China and Russia, it was expected that adopting a joint declaration at this year's G20 would be difficult. Nevertheless, through behind-the-scenes efforts by the host countries Indonesia and India, the adoption of the joint declaration became possible.

Chairman Joko Widodo (Jokowi), President of Indonesia, pressured the leaders to adopt the joint declaration, saying, "The whole world is watching us. We must deliver concrete outcomes to support the global economic recovery at this meeting."

As a result, a joint declaration condemning the war in Ukraine was issued through a compromise including the limited expression "most member countries."

The declaration included the word "war" instead of the term "special military operation," which Russia originally wanted. It also contained the statement, "We agree that the use or threat of nuclear weapons is unacceptable." This is interpreted as a warning reflecting recent Russian nuclear threats as well as the ongoing possibility of North Korea's nuclear tests.

Additionally, the declaration expressed "serious concern" about global food security related to the food crisis. It also included support for the extension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which allows Ukrainian food exports through the Black Sea.

There were also voices of concern regarding the global economic situation. From the war in Ukraine to soaring prices, the world economy is facing an unprecedented multidimensional crisis, forcing many central banks to implement monetary tightening policies, explained the G20 leaders.

They emphasized that if the United States continues aggressive interest rate hikes, emerging countries will fear massive capital outflows, so the need to limit negative spillover effects in the monetary policies of each country's central bank must also be kept in mind.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told the Russian state news agency TASS, "The West added the phrase 'many delegations condemned Russia,' but we noted that alternative views were also presented." Minister Lavrov left Indonesia before the joint declaration was announced.