The G20 is scaling back its support for Ukraine as pressure mounts for peace talks with Russia, according to an analysis by the Financial Times of the summit’s declaration in Rio.
In the declaration, Ukraine is mentioned only briefly in a single paragraph, a stark reduction compared to the seven paragraphs dedicated to the issue at last year’s summit in New Delhi.
The previously agreed-upon condemnation of Russia has been toned down, with only a general reference to the “human suffering” caused by the invasion. There is no mention of attacks on civilian infrastructure or nuclear threats. The declaration emphasizes the “negative additional consequences of the war” and expresses support for “initiatives that support a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace.”
Although the G20 refrained from condemning Russia’s invasion for the second consecutive year, last year’s statement had been far more detailed.
A source revealed that some European countries pushed for stronger language, but “no one wanted to go too far, as it would have led to a fight and no statement would have been made.”
As a result, the main themes of the declaration focus on taxing the ultra-wealthy, reducing poverty, achieving a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, reforming the UN Security Council, and addressing climate change.
