Putin Criticizes Sanctions Against Russia by Major G20 Members

The G20 summit, consisting of the world's major economies, began on Saturday, October 26, in Brisbane, Australia, with the crisis in Ukraine being one of its focal points. Prior to this, Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, criticized the members of this group for imposing sanctions against his country. According to AFP, Mr. Putin stated to the Russian news agency Itar-Tass on Friday that these sanctions violate the principles of the G20, adding that he does not intend to raise the issue at the Brisbane summit as he believes it would be futile. He pointed out that the sanctions have been detrimental to Russia, stating that the fact that major G20 member countries have imposed sanctions against Russia is contrary to many principles of this group and international law, as sanctions can only be imposed by the United Nations and its Security Council. The European Union and the United States have imposed sanctions against Russia due to what they call Moscow's interference in Ukraine. The Russian President also mentioned that he would have discussions with Angela Merkel, the Chancellor of Germany, in Brisbane, adding that he would hold many meetings on the sidelines of the G20 summit. Vladimir Putin commented on the impact of the Ukraine crisis on Russia-Germany relations, noting that there has been no change as both countries act based on their interests rather than personal interests. Meanwhile, according to Reuters, Ms. Merkel stated on Saturday that the European Union intends to impose further economic sanctions against Moscow, adding that the current situation is unsatisfactory. The German Chancellor had previously stated her opposition to new sanctions against Russia, but the EU plans to add pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine to its sanctions list against Russia. The separatists control seven cities in eastern Ukraine, including the city of Donetsk. In the meantime, according to AFP, Mr. Putin on Saturday called on Francois Hollande, the President of France, to join him in reducing the negative consequences of the Ukraine crisis on Moscow-Paris relations. On the other hand, according to reports, Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, stated that Vladimir Putin and David Cameron, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, discussed the normalization of relations between Moscow and the West on Saturday. He said that Putin and Cameron expressed interest in rebuilding Russia-West relations and taking necessary actions to resolve the Ukraine crisis. According to Reuters, Barack Obama, the President of the United States, stated on Saturday that Russia's aggression against Ukraine is frightening and a threat to the world. Herman Van Rompuy, the President of the European Council, also urged Russia to refrain from sending weapons and forces to eastern Ukraine and to pressure the separatists to accept a ceasefire. Tensions in eastern Ukraine continue despite both sides having reached a ceasefire agreement about nine weeks ago. The West accuses Moscow of creating the crisis and aiding the separatists in the seven-month crisis in Ukraine, but Russia denies the accusations against it. According to Reuters, the President of the European Council warned that Moscow should expect further sanctions if it does not comply with the demands made. Meanwhile, the Associated Press reported that leaders of European countries in the G20 will discuss the conflict between Russia and Ukraine on the sidelines of the Brisbane summit. The G20 includes the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Japan, China, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Indonesia, Brazil, Canada, Turkey, Argentina, South Korea, India, Mexico, and South Africa.