Albanese Confronts Risk of Normalizing Putin at G20 Amid U.S. Invitation
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Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese may face a sharp diplomatic test over whether a photo with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the upcoming G20 Leaders' Summit in Miami would help legitimize a regime accused of brutal war crimes in Ukraine.
As the G20 Leaders' Summit approaches, Australian officials are bracing for Russian President Vladimir Putin to accept an invitation from the Trump administration to attend the event. That prospect follows the appearance of his chief diplomat, Sergei Lavrov, at a preparatory meeting over the weekend, where Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong and others rightly refused to pose for a group photo with Lavrov, prompting U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to cancel the photo opportunity.
Cabinet minister Murray Watt stressed that Australia does not want to normalize Russia’s actions in Ukraine, saying that if avoiding a photo helps prevent that normalization, then it is a worthwhile step. Opposition assistant treasury spokesman Kevin Hogan made a similar point, arguing that if Albanese declines to be seen with Putin, it would send a clear message that Australia stands against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Rubio defended the invitation extended to Russia, claiming that dialogue is necessary for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. He argued that engaging with both Russia and Ukraine is required for negotiations. By contrast, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas condemned the invitation, warning that it risks normalizing ongoing war crimes and rewarding aggression.
Australia has been a major supporter of Ukraine, providing nearly $1.9 billion in aid and military training while imposing extensive sanctions on Russia. Prime Minister Albanese recently signed a security agreement with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, allowing for military collaboration. Albanese has previously said that Russia’s actions pose a global threat and has underscored the need to uphold international law against such violations.