Putin to attend G20 summit in person, confirms Kremlin

Russian President Vladimir Putin plans to attend the G20 summit in Indonesia in November, the Kremlin says.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to show up at the G20 summit in Bali in december. Picture: AFP

Russian President Vladimir Putin plans to attend the G20 summit in Indonesia in November, the Kremlin says.

“We have received the official invitation … and we have responded positively, saying we are interested in participating,” spokesman Yuri Ushakov said.

He said that with “a lot of time” before the November 15-16 summit in Bali, there could be changes to the manner that Russia participates.

“But for now, the invitation is for participation in person,” Mr Ushakov said. During the Covid pandemic last October, Mr Putin joined the G20 summit in Rome via videolink.

Indonesia, which holds the group’s rotating presidency this year, caused controversy by inviting Russia to the gathering of the world’s major economies.

Western countries, led by the US, have put pressure on Jakarta to exclude Moscow following Russia’s offensive in Ukraine and accusations of war crimes.

But German Chancellor Olaf Scholz indicated on Monday that he was still open to taking part, despite Mr Putin’s expected attendance.

Mr Scholz noted that Indonesia has also invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen likewise said she did not rule out sitting at the same table with Mr Putin at the G20.

AFP