G20 countries argue about how to deal with Russia

It was a “day to pause,” said Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel. Without the war in Ukraine, many other topics could have been discussed. But the Russian attack again determined an international meeting.

Hosts India want to avoid the Russia issue

India actually wanted to avoid that. The hosts had already emphasized that it shouldn’t be about Russia, but above all about the difficulties of the emerging countries. Indians see part of the problems, such as high energy and food prices, as being caused by the sanctions against Russia.

>> Read here: The brutalized empire – Russia a year after the attack

The western states decisively reject such a representation. “The polluter is Putin,” said Lindner. This must also be clearly expressed in the final declaration of the G20 finance ministers. The negotiators are currently still struggling over the wording of the communiqué. There was an attempt to speak only of “crisis” in Ukraine and not of “war”.

Lindner rejected such requests. He referred to the communiqué of the G20 heads of government at the summit in Bali, Indonesia last year. There, Russia had been criticized comparatively clearly because of the Ukraine war. “It is not acceptable for Germany to fall behind the language of Bali,” Lindner made clear.

French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire also put pressure on. Nobody should be fooled, said Le Maire. France will oppose any attempt to weaken the communiqué compared to the Bali declaration. Either you stand by the condemnation of the war, said Le Maire, “or France will not agree to the communiqué”. He trusts the Indian Presidency that there will be a good G20 declaration.

Lindner confronts Russian officials about war in Ukraine

According to the Federal Finance Minister, the Russian delegation at the G20 meeting was also tough. According to Lindner, the Russian representatives could talk about technical financial issues. “But that won’t stop us from addressing the brutal war,” he said.

However, there is no consensus in the G20 on this clear statement. Not only India or South Africa are more reserved. Above all, China sees itself as an ally of Russia. Beijing has “its own perspective on the war in Ukraine,” said Lindner. This includes “much more ambivalence than is possible from our point of view”.

Because of the different assessments of the Ukraine war, the Western industrialized countries (G7) decided to take an unusual step. After a meeting, they published their own communiqué on Thursday, in which they sharply condemned Russia and announced further support for Ukraine. Normally, G7 finance ministers only meet informally during G20 meetings without public statements.

Germany is calling on other countries to provide financial aid to Ukraine

“We reiterate our unwavering support for Ukraine and unite in condemning Russia’s war of aggression,” the G7 statement said. There are already aid commitments for the current year of around 39 billion dollars. However, the country’s financial needs are now said to be over $40 billion, according to government circles.

>> Read here: New aid package planned for Ukraine – G7 countries with an unusual step

Lindner confirmed that there is a funding gap, the extent of which has not yet been determined. “There is no exact number,” he said.

Another aid program from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is currently being negotiated, it could have a volume of 15 billion dollars over four years. This could help meet the financial needs.

The G7 countries have already announced their support. The EU states could contribute 18 billion euros. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen announced another $10 billion. Japan has promised 5.5 billion. The country currently holds the presidency of the G7 countries.

Lindner now sees others as responsible first. He pointed out that Germany was already providing “considerable” support and had promised.

More: Defense of Europe -: “We must not be fooled.”