Dmitry Peskov: Putin will not take part in G20 summit, due to ‘necessity of his presence’ in Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend the Indonesian G20 summit, be it in person or remotely.

According to the Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov, Putin decided not the attend the summit, scheduled to take place in Indonesia on November 15–16, due to his schedule and “the necessity of his presence” in Russia.

The Russian news station Mayak published an audio, in which Peskov replies to questions in connection with the forthcoming G20 summit. To quote the transcript:

Peskov: Putin will not take part in the G20 summit by video. The decision not to go was made in connection with the President’s schedule.

Q.: Are there plans for his remote participation?

Peskov: No, there are no such plans.

Q.: Why did the president decide not to go to the G20 summit?

Peskov: This decision was made by the head of state himself, and it is connected to his schedule, and the necessity of his presence in the Russian Federation.

• Earlier, Bloomberg reported that Putin would not attend the G20 summit in order to avoid confrontation with other leaders. Instead of the president himself, the Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will represent Russia in Bali next week.

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