G20 Foreign Ministers Get Together in Nusa Dua, But With a Twist
Picture this: on the sunny island of Bali, a bunch of world leaders sit down for a big chat. But there’s a catch – the biggest critics of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine are in the same room as Moscow’s top diplomat.
Why This Should Feel Like a Reality‑TV Show
“No business as usual” is the buzzword that has been echoing around the summit. Europe, the U.S., Australia, and a few others have made it clear that the meeting will be anything but ordinary, even though they’re careful about what that means.
Indonesia Carries the Ball.
Indonesia hosts the summit, and their Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi, has been telling everyone to keep things chill. “Create an atmosphere that’s comfortable for everyone,” she says. “This is the first time, since Feb. 24, all major players are sitting in the same room.”
Some Nations Are Freaking Out
- Russia’s invasion has turned the passport handshake into a pressure test.
- Some members whispered ideas about boycotts, and a skittish group even walked out in Washington last month.
- Australia’s Penny Wong keeps slamming the invasion as “illegal, unjust, and immoral.”
- Japan is playing it cool – they’re chatting with like‑minded countries, but no walk‑out decision yet.
US Tactics: Keep It Going, But Not the Bad Stuff
A senior U.S. State Department official warned against “disruptions or interruptions” but also made sure nothing came off as giving Russia a free pass for its “brutalising.”
Japan’s Talk for the People
The Japanese government official told reporters they’ll discuss the war at the summit, but friends say there are no walk‑out plans.
Big Economic Mess All Around
Russia’s “special military operation” is not just a headline; it’s a global economic undertow. Disruptions to Ukrainian grain and sanctions on Russian oil and gas have turned up the price of food, squeezing the world into a higher inflation wave.
Agenda for the Big Day
Friday starts with a closed‑door meeting of top G20 diplomats – think China, India, the U.S., Brazil, Britain, Canada, Japan, South Africa, and more. On the sidelines, there will be one‑on‑one talk sessions, while Ukraine’s foreign minister is scheduled to connect virtually.
Drama in the Diplomatic Lineup
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov rolled up to meet Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Bali. He gave Beijing a back‑handed compliment and didn’t miss a chance to call out an “openly aggressive” West.
It’s going to be a one‑day in the life of the world, and who knows? Maybe we’ll get a new phrase here’s “When diplomacy meets drama” that sticks in the headlines. Stay tuned!
