Leaders of the world's largest economies appeared ready on Tuesday to convey a strong message from most condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine, as President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pressed the group to maintain pressure on Moscow over its nine-month war that has devastated Ukraine and roiled the global economy.
A draft declaration by leaders of the Group of 20 major economies under discussion on Tuesday echoes the condemnation of Russia's war on Ukraine by the United Nations, while acknowledging differing views among members.
The careful wording of the statement reflects tensions prevailing at the gathering, which includes leaders from Russia and China, and the challenge facing the US and its allies to isolate Russian President Vladimir Putin's government as some nations seek to avoid becoming entangled in antagonisms between the big powers.
Still, it would be a strong rebuke of the war that has killed thousands, heightened global security tensions and disrupted the world economy if adopted in its current form, particularly since China and India abstained from condemning Russia's aggression in the March UN resolution.
The statement seen on Tuesday by The Associated Press “deplores in the strongest terms the aggression by the Russian Federation” and “demands its complete and unconditional withdrawal from the territory of Ukraine."
The G-20 draft statement also noted there were different views on the situation and sanctions against Russia, saying that the G-20 was not the forum for resolving security issues.
The push for a strong statement against Russia came as the summit was touched by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen tested positive for COVID-19 after his arrival in Bali and said he was returning home.
So far, no other leaders are known to have tested positive, though many of those in Bali also attended meetings with prime minister just days ago during a summit of the Association of Southeast Asian nations.
Biden skipped out on an evening gala for the leaders hosted by Indonesian President Joko Widodo, to attend to unspecified matters.
Biden sent his regrets to Widodo and said he would attend a planned tree planting with fellow G-20 leaders on Wednesday, according to a White House official.
The official, who was not authorised to comment and spoke on the condition of anonymity, noted it had been a “full day” for the president but insisted that Biden's absence was not related to COVID-19.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who led the Russian delegation to the summit, denounced the Biden administration push to condemn Moscow.
“All problems are on the Ukrainian side that categorically refuses to hold any talks and comes up with conditions obviously unrealistic and inadequate to this situation," Lavrov said.
In a video address to the summit, Zelenskyy joined Biden in trying to persuade the G-20 to further isolate Russia diplomatically and economically, despite a souring global financial outlook that has tested many nations' resolve.
Inflation and slowing economies are weighing on countries that have imposed penalties on Russia for starting the war. Higher costs for energy and food have destabilised business activity around the world, as much of Europe prepares to brave the winter without imports of Russian natural gas.
In opening the summit, Widodo impressed on the gathering what's at stake. “If the war does not end, it will be difficult for the world to move forward,” he said.