With Putin Absent, Russia-Ukraine War Dominates G20 Discussions As Biden, Xi Jinping, Modi Meet In Bali

Even though Russian President Vladimir Putin skipped the G20 meeting in Bali to avoid potential conflict with other world leaders, discussions about the Ukraine war would still be in the spotlight as the world grapples with its consequences.

What Happened: From U.S. President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron to India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, all top leaders at the G20 summit discussed how Putin’s war in Ukraine is not only causing loss of lives for the war-torn nation but is also hurting the world economy. 

See Also: Biden Tells Xi Jinping ‘Committed To Keep Lines Of Communication Open Between You And Me Personally’ As They Meet At G20

Macron, meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping in Bali on the sidelines of the G20 summit, called for Paris and Beijing to unite against the war in Ukraine on Tuesday. We must “unite forces to respond… to international crises like Russia’s war in Ukraine,” he said, according to South China Morning Post. 

Biden also discussed Russia's war with the Chinese president. 

In his address to the G20 leaders, Modi advised Putin to “find a way” to return to the path of ceasefire and diplomacy in Ukraine. “I am confident that next year when the G20 meets in the holy land of Buddha and Gandhi, we will all agree to convey a strong message of peace to the world,” Modi said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, “now is the time” to end Russia’s “destructive war.”

“It will save thousands of lives,” Zelenskyy added.  

Meanwhile, a majority of G20 nations are set to condemn Putin’s war in Ukraine, according to a joint statement – which is yet to be adopted – drafted for the summit, reported Bloomberg.

Check out more of Benzinga’s Europe and Asia coverage by following this link.