Journalist Calls Out Russian Minister to Stop War in Ukraine at G20 Summit

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Russia and Ukraine war is once again highlighted in an international event after a journalist for German public-service television broadcaster ZDF, Rhineland-Palatinate, shouted “When will you stop the war,” and “Why don’t you stop the war!?” to Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergei Lavrov as he shook hands with Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi at the beginning of the G20 Summit on July 8, in Bali’s Hotel Mulia. 

Lavrov did not seem to engage with the journalist’s firm call to stop the war, who was later escorted out of the location where the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was held. 

The war that has devastated the two neighboring countries has subtly caused tension between members of the G20 after Western countries called for Indonesia, as the G20 Presidency this year, to not invite Russian President Vladimir Putin and called for Ukraine to be invited instead.

The moves to boycot Russian representatives at international events occurred during the Finance Ministers’ meeting in Washington DC in April where delegates from the United States and other G7 countries walked out as a Russian representative took to the stage to give his speech. 

Tensions were previously evident in yesterday’s dinner event where G7 country representatives did not arrive at the event due to the presence of the Russian Minister. 

Previously reported, Minister Retno Marsudi said on July 7, “G7 country delegates announced they are unable to attend the informal dinner reception as we talked about creating a comfortable situation for all delegates.”

She explained that she understands the stand taken by some country delegates, “I said that I understand their positions. Because everyone must feel comfortable. Just to be present here [in Indonesia] is appreciated.”

DANIEL AHMAD

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