G20 agrees on compromise declaration on Ukraine – without condemning Russia for its aggression
The Group of 20 nations (G20) adopted an agreed declaration at its summit in New Delhi that avoids condemning Russia for waging war on Ukraine, but calls on all states to "refrain from the threat or use of force to seek territorial acquisition," Reuters reported on Sept. 9.
The consensus in the text of the statement itself came as a surprise to many participants, as it revealed a deep split between member states. Earlier, Western countries insisted on a strong condemnation of Russia in the final declaration, while other countries demanded a focus on broader economic issues. The countries that did not belong to either of these two camps showed no reaction.
The text of the declaration, according to Reuters, reads as follows:
All states must "uphold the principles of international law including territorial integrity and sovereignty, international humanitarian law, and the multilateral system that safeguards peace and stability."
G20 representatives welcome "welcome all relevant and constructive initiatives that support a comprehensive, just, and durable peace in Ukraine".
Threats or use of nuclear weapons "are inadmissible".
The declaration also calls for the implementation of the Black Sea Initiative for the safe transportation of grain, food, and fertilizers from Ukraine and Russia.
A French diplomat who participated in the talks told Reuters that the communiqué was "very satisfactory." The French diplomat "appreciated the wording on the war in Ukraine," especially the part that says "countries should refrain from seizing territory by force."
"Only one country does this. It is Russia. This will help us reach a consensus later," the French diplomat said.
On Sept. 8, Reuters reported that on the eve of the G20 summit in India, the countries had not yet agreed on the wording regarding Russia’s full-scale war on Ukraine.
On Sept. 9, Bloomberg wrote that G20 diplomats agreed on compromise wording on Russia's invasion of Ukraine. They are generally similar to those adopted at the G20 summit in Indonesia in 2022.
G20 summit in India - What is known
The G20 summit is taking place in New Delhi on Sept. 9-10. It is being attended by U.S. President Joe Biden, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
On Aug. 20, Deputy Head of the President’s Office Ihor Zhovkva said that Ukraine continues to work on getting an invitation to the G20 summit in India "in one format or another."
India did not invite Ukraine to the New Delhi summit, saying that the G20 is not engaged in "conflict resolution."
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