The Russian Federation should withdraw its troops from the territory of Ukraine and end the war against its neighboring state, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said.
The chancellor noted that Putin’s participation in a video conference of the heads of state and government of the G20 was an excellent opportunity for the leaders of the democratic states to clearly state that peace in Ukraine is under threat from Russia’s attack. Peace can quickly be restored if Russia leaves Ukraine.
Giorgia Meloni, in turn, noted that Putin’s declaration of readiness to seek peace could be welcomed, but “peace and invasion cannot coexist,” and Putin could easily demonstrate his desire for peace by withdrawing his military.
Also, during a virtual meeting of the G20 leaders, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called for the Russian Federation to be held accountable for its illegal invasion of Ukraine.