Based on coverage from CBC and CTV.
G20 Summit in Johannesburg Tackles Ukraine Peace Plan
In a high-stakes meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Johannesburg, Prime Minister Mark Carney joined over a dozen world leaders to discuss U.S. President Donald Trump's controversial plan to end the war in Ukraine. The plan, which has been criticized for seemingly favouring Russia, suggests that Ukraine cede territory, limit its military, and abandon NATO ambitions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, facing a November 27 deadline imposed by Trump, warned of the "intense" pressure on his nation, describing the situation as "one of the most difficult moments in its history."
The leaders issued a joint statement emphasizing that borders should not be changed by force and expressed concerns over the proposed limitations on Ukraine's armed forces. Carney, while acknowledging some useful elements in Trump's 28-point plan, stressed the need for further work and coordination with Ukraine and international partners.
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Global Leaders Push Back on U.S. Proposal
The G20 summit, notably boycotted by Trump due to his grievances with South Africa, saw leaders from Canada, Europe, and Japan expressing support for American efforts toward peace but calling for revisions to the plan. Global affairs analyst Michael Bociurkiw criticized the proposal as a "disaster for Ukraine," warning that accepting it could mean the end of Ukraine as a sovereign nation.
Despite the absence of U.S. representation, the summit managed to adopt a 122-paragraph declaration addressing global challenges like climate change and gender equality. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted the "overwhelming consensus" achieved, while dismissing the U.S. boycott as a "short-term blip."
Canada’s Role and Bilateral Meetings
Prime Minister Carney used the summit as an opportunity to strengthen Canada’s international relationships. He held bilateral meetings with leaders from France, Germany, and the European Union, reaffirming support for Ukraine and emphasizing the need for any settlement to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.
In addition to discussions on Ukraine, Carney participated in a trilateral agreement with India and Australia focused on emerging technologies, supply chain diversification, and clean energy. This move is part of Canada's strategy to position itself as a bridge for countries advocating for free trade and rejecting coercive practices.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand underscored Canada’s commitment to multilateralism and its core values, despite a reduction in funding for the Global Fund. She emphasized that Canada remains a significant foreign-aid donor and is focused on developing mutually beneficial relationships with African countries.
As the summit concluded, the global community remained divided over the path to peace in Ukraine, with Canada and its allies advocating for a solution that ensures Ukraine’s territorial integrity and aligns with international norms.
