Scholz expressed regret that G20 leaders were unable to condemn Russia for its war in Ukraine.

Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz expressed regret that the G20 communiqué does not emphasize Russia's responsibility for its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, especially on the 1000th day of the war.

“What has been stated in the final communiqué is too little: the G20 failed to find the words to clearly convey that Russia bears responsibility [for the invasion],” he said after the conclusion of the G20 summit in Brazil.

“The winds in international relations are becoming harsher. Thus, gathering for meetings like this one in Rio is becoming even more crucial,” the chancellor added.

In a joint statement following the G20 in Rio de Janeiro, it was reported that the leaders of the world's twenty largest economies called for a “comprehensive, just, and lasting peace” in Ukraine, but did not explicitly condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

“We welcome all relevant and constructive initiatives aimed at supporting a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in accordance with all the goals and principles of the UN Charter to promote peaceful, friendly, and good-neighborly relations among peoples,” the ninth paragraph of the statement reads.

Condemning, as they did at last year’s G20 summit, the “threat of force or its use for the purpose of territorial acquisition,” the leaders of the “twenty” did not mention Russian aggression.

Western media reported that some European delegations insisted on stronger wording in the final communiqué, but ultimately backed down from these demands due to concerns that countries like China and other Global South nations with close ties to Moscow would not sign the joint document at all.