Carney vows direct message to Putin at G20: ‘Leave Ukraine’

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has declared that if he meets Russian President Vladimir Putin during the upcoming G20 summit in Miami this December, his message will be unequivocal: “Leave Ukraine and end the war.” Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Carney said he would not prolong any conversation with Putin. “I would tell him to withdraw from Ukraine, return Ukrainian territory, and stop the war. That would be the end of the discussion,” Carney stated. This year’s G20 summit is being hosted by the United States. President Donald Trump has already expressed interest in inviting Putin, and Russia has signaled that the invitation may be accepted. Carney acknowledged that there are valid reasons not to invite Putin but emphasized that the decision rests with the host nation. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Putin has not attended any G20 leaders’ meetings. He also faces an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court. Canadian Concerns at G20 Canada recently voiced displeasure over the presence of Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov at a G20 finance ministers’ meeting in the U.S. Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne said Siluanov’s participation caused unease, reiterating Canada’s firm commitment to supporting Ukraine. Zelensky’s Expected Visit Sources suggest Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky may visit Canada next week. Zelensky last met Carney in December during a previous trip to Canada. Historical Context Carney’s stance recalls former Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s 2014 encounter with Putin at a G20 meeting, when Harper bluntly told the Russian leader to “get out of Ukraine.” Peace Prospects Meanwhile, both Russia and Ukraine have issued cautious statements about potential peace efforts. Putin noted that countries including the U.S. and China are willing to help broker a settlement, while Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha said new momentum could emerge in peace negotiations.