U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan called the final declaration of the G20 summit “powerful,” despite its lack of condemnation of Russian aggression.
At a briefing on Friday, he rejected the idea that the communiqué was “tepid” regarding support for Ukraine, as it did not condemn a full-scale invasion by Russian troops.
Sullivan highlighted four points in the declaration that he said “are powerful”. They concern Ukraine.
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– Firstly, the paramount importance of territorial integrity and sovereignty. Secondly, a statement that it is absolutely unacceptable for any country to use force to violate the territorial integrity of another country. Third, attacks on grain and civilian infrastructure should be completely prohibited. And fourth, the threat or use of nuclear weapons in a conflict such as this should be unacceptable, Sullivan explained.
Instead of declaring neutrality, he said, the G20 countries actually told Russia : What you are doing is unacceptable.
Sullivan clarified that he has not received “any formal – or rather informal – reaction from Ukraine regarding the G20 declaration”.
The adviser added that Ukraine remains focused on interacting with other countries at so-called peace summits, like those held this summer in Denmark and Saudi Arabia. According to Sullivan, at these events leaders can “find a path to a common understanding of the principles on which a just world should be based”.
The adviser said that the discussions at these summits “very similar” to the proposals set out in the G20 communiqué.
As you know, on September 9, the G20 countries, after discussions, nevertheless agreed on a joint declaration for the summit in New Delhi (India). This document mentions the war in Ukraine, but does not condemn the aggressor country of the Russian Federation for starting the war.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine expressed disappointment with the weak text of the G20 declaration.
Subsequently, American leader Joe Biden reported that at the summit there was “sufficient” agreement on the need for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
