In a recent announcement, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be attending the upcoming G20 Summit in New Delhi. This marks the second consecutive G20 Summit that Putin has chosen to skip, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Notably, he also refrained from attending the G20 Summit in Bali, Indonesia during the same period. Analysts speculate that Putin’s avoidance of such international gatherings, especially those featuring Western leaders, is a strategic move to sidestep direct confrontation. This decision comes against the backdrop of increased tensions between Russia and Western countries due to sanctions imposed following the Ukraine invasion and a recent mutiny incident involving the Wagner Group chief, Yevgeny Prigozhin.
The G20 Leader’s Summit, scheduled for September 9th and 10th at the Bharat Mandapam International Exhibition-Convention Centre in New Delhi, is expected to host prominent leaders from various Western countries, including US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron. The absence of Putin, a noticeable figure on the global stage, is seen as emblematic of Russia’s growing isolation. Professor Harsh V. Pant, Vice President of Studies and Foreign Policy at the Observer Research Foundation, suggests that this move underscores Russia’s current diplomatic challenges and its desire to evade public humiliation in light of the Ukraine invasion aftermath.
Furthermore, doubts about Putin’s own security have arisen in the wake of the death of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the Wagner Group chief. This development, coupled with allegations connecting Prigozhin’s demise to a brief mutiny against Putin, has attracted criticism from leaders worldwide. The Kremlin has firmly dismissed these claims, labeling them as “Western speculations” and denying any involvement in Prigozhin’s death. As New Delhi prepares to host the G20 Summit, the absence of the Russian President underscores the complex geopolitical landscape, marked by strained international relations and internal security concerns.
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