Moscow’s Moment of Global Summitry

This story describes Russia's participation in various global conferences despite its ongoing conflict with Ukraine, despite Western powers advocating for Moscow to be isolated. The most notable instance was U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent meeting with Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov during the G-20 finance ministers' meeting, marking the first in-person attendance of a Kremlin financial official since the war started in February 2022.

They discussed U.S. President Donald Trump's Russia-Ukraine peace proposal, opportunities for economic growth, and G-20 engagement. However, Bessent reportedly ruled out economic relief for Russia while the war persists, causing disapproval from European countries. European Union economy chief Valdis Dombrovskis and German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil both expressed concerns over normalizing Russia's presence at the G-20.

Nonetheless, Russia continued to maintain a strong global presence. The Kremlin took part in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Bishkek, signing the "Bishkek Declaration" condemning U.S. and Israeli military action against Iran, as well as Western sanctions on SCO members like Russia. President Vladimir Putin also attended the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, where Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto attended, signaling Russia's growing ties with Southeast Asian nations.

Lastly, despite Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema's disputed election, African leaders like Kenyan President William Ruto, Botswanan President Duma Boko, and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa attended his inauguration, giving foreign support to the election's results. However, Hichilema's main challenger, Brian Mundubile, was arrested during a raid on his home, resulting in his death. Opposition members, including Mutotwe Kafwaya, were also detained.