Bali due to host Vladimir Putin during G20 Summit in late October

Despite calls for Russia to be kicked out of the G20 over its invasion of Ukraine, Bali is still on course to host Vladimir Putin during October’s summit. According to a Coconuts report, Russia’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Lyudmila Vorobyova, was evasive when answering questions about Putin’s potential visit during a press conference in Jakarta.

“Depends on the situation, (but) so far, he (Putin) wants to come to the G20 Summit.”

Russia has been hit by heavy sanctions from the US and several other countries, as a result of its ongoing offensive in Ukraine, which started on February 24. These include blocking cards issued by Russian banks, which has left many Russian travellers stuck overseas and running out of funds.

There have been widespread calls for Russia to be excluded from the G20 over the ongoing war on Ukraine. However, while speaking to the press in Jakarta, Vorobyova insisted Russia will support Indonesia’s presidency of the G20.

“Indonesia being G20 leader is not to talk about the Russia-Ukraine crisis, but more about improving the global economy as well as other issues. Excluding Russia (from G20) is not going to help the global economy.”

Meanwhile, other than a vague tweet denouncing the concept of war in general, Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has stopped short of imposing any sanctions on Russia, thereby remaining in Putin’s good books.

SOURCE: Coconuts