Kremlin Will Confirm The Presence Or Absence Of President Putin At The G20 Indonesia Summit

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. (Wikimedia Commons/Пресс-служба Президента России)

JAKARTA - Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said he would report this week whether Russian President Vladimir Putin will travel to Bali, Indonesia to participate in the G20 summit or not.

"We will report, we will inform you all once this decision is made," the Kremlin official said, answering a question whether President Putin made the decision to attend the summit in person.

In response to a follow-up question about whether the information can be expected in the next few days, the spokesperson replied in the affirmative. "Without a doubt, it is time for the summit," he said.

As previously reported, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has so far only confirmed the participation of 17 heads of state, although it did not mention the countries that had not responded.

However, neither Russia, nor Ukraine, whose president was invited to the meeting while his country is not part of the Group of 20, have not reported whether their leaders will participate in the summit to be held in Bali on November 15-16.

Last week, Russia praised Indonesia's G20 Presidency for its constructive work and depoliticization, when President Vladimir Putin spoke with President Joko Widodo on the phone.

"The Russian side greatly appreciates the constructive work and depoliticization of the Indonesian G20 Presidency on topical issues such as strengthening energy and food security, implementing a balanced energy transition and digital transformation of the global economy, and improving the health care system," the Kremlin said as quoted on November 2.

He said President Joko Widodo's consistent position personally in promoting a unifying agenda in the G20 was also a concern.