Prime Minister Mark Carney has expressed his intention to keep any potential conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin brief if they meet at the upcoming G20 summit in Miami. The United States is hosting the annual gathering, with President Donald Trump extending an invitation to Putin, which the Kremlin has hinted at accepting.
At a recent news conference, Carney was questioned about possible discussions with Putin at the December summit. He emphasized that his message to Putin would be straightforward: “Get out of Ukraine, return all of Ukraine to Ukraine, and put an end to the ongoing conflict that is resulting in the loss of over 30,000 lives monthly.”
Regarding the potential withdrawal of the invitation to Putin by the Trump administration, Carney acknowledged that there are valid concerns but stated that it is the host’s prerogative to decide on invitations. Putin has not attended a G20 summit since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and there is an active arrest warrant against him by the International Criminal Court.
During a recent gathering of G20 finance ministers in Asheville, N.C., Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov’s presence caused discomfort, as noted by Canadian Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne. He emphasized Canada’s unwavering support for Ukraine and ensured that their concerns were heard.
Upcoming plans include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s anticipated visit to Canada, with his last visit in December involving discussions with Carney and Trump to seek solutions to the conflict. Carney’s stance mirrors former Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s direct message to Putin at the 2014 G20 summit, urging him to leave Ukraine post the Crimea annexation.
Despite recent drone strikes by Russia in Kyiv, both sides have expressed cautious optimism about peace prospects, with Putin mentioning potential support for a peace settlement from various countries, including the U.S. and China.
Efforts for peace are ongoing, with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha expressing hope for a renewed diplomatic engagement. The resolution of the conflict, according to Sybiha, relies on the direct involvement of Russia and Ukraine.
In conclusion, the situation remains fluid, with global efforts focused on achieving a peaceful resolution to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.