Prime Minister Mark Carney has expressed his intention to keep any potential conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin brief during the upcoming G20 summit in Miami. The United States is set to host the annual event, and President Donald Trump has expressed a desire for Putin to participate, with the Kremlin hinting at the possibility of his attendance.
When questioned during an unrelated press briefing, Carney outlined his straightforward message to Putin if they cross paths at the summit in December. He emphasized the need for Russia to withdraw from Ukraine, return all territories to Ukraine, and put an end to the ongoing conflict that has claimed the lives of over 30,000 individuals monthly.
Regarding the invitation extended to Putin, Carney was asked whether the Trump administration should rescind it. While acknowledging valid concerns about Putin’s attendance, Carney noted that the decision lies with the host country.
Putin has not attended a G20 summit since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which led to an active arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court. Recently, G20 finance ministers, including Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, convened in Asheville, N.C., under the leadership of U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Canadian Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne expressed discomfort over Siluanov’s presence at the meeting, emphasizing Canada’s unwavering support for Ukraine. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to visit Canada soon, following his previous visit in December for talks with Carney and Trump on resolving the conflict.
Carney’s stance mirrors former Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s firm message to Putin during the 2014 G20 summit, urging him to withdraw from Ukraine after the annexation of Crimea.
Despite recent drone strikes by Russia in Kyiv, both sides have expressed cautious optimism about the prospect of peace, with Putin mentioning potential support from countries like the U.S. and China. Ukrainian officials and foreign ministers remain hopeful about renewed diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the conflict.
In the midst of these developments, a sense of optimism prevails as various global actors engage in peace initiatives, highlighting the critical role of direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in resolving the ongoing crisis.