Zelensky Urges World Leaders To Double Down On Russia And End War Now

Topline

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday urged world leaders gathered at the Group of 20 summit in Bali to double down on Russia and push it to end its war now, upping the diplomatic pressure as Kyiv pushes back against Russian forces and the economic fallout of the war saps the resolve of global powers.

Key Facts

Speaking via video link, Zelensky stressed Ukraine should not be expected to compromise with Moscow over matters of “conscience, sovereignty, territory and independence” and called for the complete and unconditional withdrawal of Russian forces and the full return of territory.

The demands are part of a 10-point plan Zelensky said could help end the war peacefully, which included ensuring nuclear safety, food security and preventing any escalation.

Zelensky also proposed an “all for all” prisoner swap and demanded the return of the hundreds of thousands of people he said have been forcibly deported to Russia since the war began.

The “impassioned” speech comes as most G20 leaders reportedly prepare to condemn Russia’s war in Ukraine and its repeated threats to use nuclear weapons, underscoring Moscow’s increasing isolation on the international stage.

News Peg

Zelensky’s speech was one of several addressing the war in Ukraine at the G20 summit. Condemnation of Moscow’s aggression is common among the group of economic powers, though it is far from universal, particularly with Russia being one of the 20 members. The behavior of China, which has not directly criticized the invasion and Russia’s most important ally, has come under increasing scrutiny during global meetings and leader Xi Jinping spoke to condemn the economic fallout of the war in some of his strongest language on the matter yet. While not criticizing Moscow directly, Xi slammed Russia’s nuclear threats and the politicization of food and energy, as well as calling for an end of unilateral sanctions.

Surprising Fact

Russian President Vladimir Putin chose not to attend the summit and sent foreign minister Sergei Lavrov in his place. Lavrov broke Russia’s pattern of skipping the Ukrainian leader’s addresses and reportedly stayed in the room during Zelensky’s talk. He later rehashed Moscow’s baseless talking points on fighting Nazis in Ukraine it uses to justify the invasion. Zelensky pointedly addressed the group as leaders of “G19” nations, deliberately excluding Russia.

What To Watch For

The world’s nuclear powers—which include the U.S., U.K., France and China—have largely condemned Moscow’s threats to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine. Kyiv’s Western allies have warned of dire consequences should Russia follow through, though they have maintained a deliberate air of strategic ambiguity over the nature of their responses. CIA director Bill Burns reportedly warned his Russian counterpart against using nuclear weapons in Ukraine on Monday, the first known instance of an in-person meeting between the two spy chiefs since the war began. The White House said Burns was “conveying a message on the consequences of the use of nuclear weapons by Russia, and the risks of escalation to strategic stability.”

Crucial Quote

When opening the summit, Indonesian President Joko Widodo warned fellow leaders of the incredibly high stakes at play in Ukraine. “If the war does not end, it will be difficult for the world to move forward,” he said.

Further Reading

G20 leaders to agree draft communiqué rejecting ‘era of war’ (Financial Times)

CIA director warns Russia against use of nuclear weapons (Financial Times)