(Ottawa) Prime Minister Justin Trudeau believes the final statement from leaders of the G20 summit in Brazil is not strong enough on the war in Ukraine.
Posted at 6:35 a.m.
Updated at 9:46 a.m.
He also expressed some concern about the impact of US President Donald Trump’s return to the White House on global support for Ukraine.
Russia is a member of the G20, but President Vladimir Putin has not attended a leaders’ summit since launching a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
That year, the G20 leaders’ final statement condemned Russia’s actions and demanded that it withdraw from Ukraine.
A year later, the leaders’ summit ended with watered-down language on the war, and Brazil’s final statement on Tuesday was even shorter and did not mention Russia at all.
Mr. Trudeau said Canada, other G7 countries and “advanced economies” wanted a much stronger statement against the “illegal invasion of Ukraine” but that the G20 had broader perspectives.
“No, it’s not strong enough for me,” he said at a press conference.
Support for the Biden administration
Donald Trump and his allies have criticized U.S. financial support for Ukraine and some fear that Republicans, who will soon have full control of the White House and Congress, will significantly reduce U.S. support for Ukraine.
Some of Mr. Trump’s allies sharply criticized outgoing President Joe Biden after he this week authorized Ukraine to use long-range U.S. missiles to attack Russia.
Donald Trump Jr, one of Mr Trump’s sons, and Utah Senator Mike Lee were among those who accused President Biden of trying to start a “world war three”.
MM. Trudeau and Biden discussed Ukraine during a half-hour bilateral meeting in Brazil on Monday, and Trudeau said Tuesday that Canada supports the Biden administration’s decision.
“For too long, Russia has had the capacity to strike with no consequences and to produce weapons without being hit, so it is a good thing that the Americans have made this decision,” said Mr. Trudeau.
“I know others are making this decision too. This will allow Ukraine to continue to stand firm in this important conflict. »
