How The G20 can Contribute to The End of The Russia - Ukraine War?
London, Wednesday, 21 June 2023
Ahead of the G20 summit in September 2023, The Decision Maker summarised the most realistic tactics for the Russia-Ukraine war to come to an end.
The #G20 can help bring the Russia-Ukraine war to an end the end in a number of ways as a forum for powerful nations and significant economies:
1. Diplomatic Pressure and Mediation: Members of the G20 can use their diplomatic influence to put pressure on disputing parties and persuade them to hold productive talks. The G20 leaders can voice their concerns and call for a peaceful conclusion either collectively or individually. The G20 can assist with mediation efforts as well by lending their diplomatic skills or encouraging communication between the parties
2. Economic Sanctions and Assistance: The G20 countries have considerable economic power and can employ targeted sanctions to deter aggressive behaviour and promote adherence to international rules. To show global cooperation and make it apparent that aggression and disdain for international law will have repercussions, coordinated economic actions, such as trade restrictions or penalties, might be used. In contrast, the G20 can also help with financial aid and reconstruction initiatives in Ukraine, which would serve to stabilise the area and lessen the conflict's negative humanitarian effects.
3. G20 countries can contribute to peacekeeping efforts and security cooperation in the conflict zone because they have strong military capabilities. Collaboration can help maintain stability, protect civilians, and foster an environment favourable to peaceful discussions. Examples of such initiatives include giving soldiers, resources, or expertise for peacekeeping missions.
4. Diplomatic Forums and Track II Dialogues: The G20 summit offers a helpful forum for leaders from Russia and Ukraine to interact personally and have face-to-face discussions. The G20 summit generally focuses on economic matters, but it also provides a venue for informal bilateral or multilateral discussions and informal diplomacy outside of the meeting. These exchanges can promote understanding, increase trust, and lay the framework for further conversations.
5. International Norms and the Rule of Law: The G20 should stress how crucial it is to defend international norms and the rule of law. The G20 may send a clear message that abuses of sovereignty and territorial integrity are unacceptable by restating the values outlined in the United Nations Charter and international agreements. This may help strengthen the general international consensus in favour of Ukraine's territorial integrity and deter future aggression.
6. Public Awareness and Support: The G20 meeting generates a lot of media interest and general public interest. G20 leaders can use this venue to urge for a peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine crisis and raise public awareness of it. Leaders can increase public support for peace and increase pressure on the parties involved to find a solution by highlighting the human cost and regional repercussions of the war.
Although the G20's ability to directly influence the Russia-Ukraine crisis may be limited, the group's combined influence, diplomatic efforts, and economic clout can help foster a conducive environment for dialogue, deter aggression, and advance a peaceful resolution. G20 members must urge for discussion, de-escalation, and adherence to international law using their platforms and influence in order to support efforts to put an end to the war and re-establish stability in the area.
(Research and edit by: The Decision Maker – International Relations editors)