Prime Minister Mark Carney has expressed his intention to keep any potential discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin brief if they meet at the upcoming G20 summit. The annual event is set to take place in Miami, hosted by the United States, and President Donald Trump has expressed a desire for Putin to participate, which the Kremlin has hinted at accepting.
At an unrelated press briefing, Carney was questioned about his possible dialogue with Putin at the December summit. Carney stated that his message to Putin would be direct and concise, focusing on urging Russia to withdraw from Ukraine, return control of the country to the Ukrainian government, and put an end to the ongoing conflict that has resulted in significant casualties.
Regarding the invitation extended to Putin, Carney was asked if he believes the Trump administration should rescind it. While acknowledging valid reasons to exclude Putin, Carney emphasized that it is within the host’s discretion to determine the guest list. Putin has not attended a G20 summit since the commencement of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with an active arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court.
During a recent gathering of G20 finance ministers in Asheville, N.C., hosted by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov was present. The attendance of Siluanov prompted Canadian Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne to express discomfort, emphasizing Canada’s unwavering support for Ukraine.
Reports suggest that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to visit Canada in the upcoming week. Zelenskyy’s previous visit to Canada in December involved discussions with Carney in Halifax before engaging in talks with Trump to seek resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.
Carney’s stance mirrors that of former Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who, during the 2014 G20 summit, firmly urged Putin to vacate Ukraine following the annexation of Crimea. While tensions persist, both sides have shown optimism about the prospects of peace, with Putin indicating readiness for support from various countries, including the U.S. and China, in achieving a peaceful resolution.
In light of recent Russian drone strikes in Kyiv, Western intelligence has warned of potential escalation in Ukraine. Despite the challenges, there is cautious optimism, with various stakeholders expressing hope for progress towards a peaceful settlement between Russia and Ukraine. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has highlighted the renewed diplomatic efforts and engagement in global capitals as a positive step towards resolving the conflict.
Ultimately, the resolution of the Ukraine-Russia conflict rests with the involved countries, and efforts from international players are welcomed. The collective hope is that diplomatic engagement and political initiatives will pave the way for a peaceful resolution.