Since the beginning of the war between Russia and Ukraine, the sanctions imposed by the United States and European countries on Russia have become more and more fierce, and containing the Russian economy and weakening Russia's energy have become the core point of Western sanctions. However, after Russia's counter-sanctions, the countries listed as unfriendly had to consider whether to use rubles to buy Russian natural gas, after all, this is an unavoidable problem.
On April 1, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the entry into force of the decree on the settlement of natural gas rubles. In this regard, Peskov, a spokesman for the Kremlin of the Russian Presidential Office, explained that since the delivery payment due after April 1 will arrive in late April or May, the actual entry into force of the decree will start from the next settlement cycle. That is to say, European countries still have 2 weeks to consider whether to settle Russian gas in rubles.
The first to raise objections was the Group of Seven in Europe, which, after deliberations, said it would refuse to settle Russian gas in rubles. Even Germany, which has a high demand for Russian gas, had to vote in agreement at the last minute. German politicians have previously said that it is not a big deal to wear more clothes, use less gas, and resist the first resistance and do not buy Russian natural gas.
In addition, the EU also said that European countries should unite and unite against Russia. In fact, Europe is not as "united" as the outside world imagines!
On April 1, Hungarian President Orbán voted directly against it. Hungary, he said, "could not reject cheap gas from Russia and instead buy high-priced U.S. energy."
Orbán also stressed that the idea that European countries, including Hungary, want the United States to ship enough LNG to Europe is completely unrealistic. For Hungary and other countries that need energy, Russian gas is the only option.
"It's not a matter of wearing an extra sweater at night, turning down the heating a little less, or spending more money on natural gas," Orban notes. Without Russian energy, Hungary would have no energy available at all. ”
Orbán reiterated that Hungary does not support the "special military operation" launched by Russia, but he understands President Zelenskiy and sees Zelenskiy's efforts when Ukraine is in trouble, but it is important that Hungary "cannot help Ukraine through self-destruction" and will not provide Ukraine with any weapons.
According to Howoshi, director of the Hungarian government's press office, 85% of Hungarian households today use natural gas for heating, and 64% of crude oil imports come from Russia. It is clear that maintaining the import of Russian natural gas and crude oil is very important for Hungary.
In addition to Hungary's disapproval vote, Indonesia also stood up for Russia.
On March 31, Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau told the media that "at this year's G20 summit, I don't want to see Russian President Putin."
Trudeau said, "The G20 summit is a platform for us to discuss how to promote global economic growth, but because Russia's "special military operations" have affected global economic growth, Russia cannot be our constructive partner to discuss how to deal with the economic crisis caused by the situation in Russia and Ukraine." ”
In addition, Trudeau also said that not only does he think so, but ALSO US President Biden and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison also expressed opposition to Russia's participation in the G20 summit. Morrison even said that Putin should be banned from the G20 summit or directly kicked Russia out of the G20.
Just when Western countries are so high-profile against Russia, Indonesia's Foreign Ministry has stood up and said that Indonesia, as the G20 presidency, will uphold a fair and neutral attitude. In addition, Indonesia's G20 coordinator Dajani also said that inviting all members of the G20 is the obligation of the rotating presidency.
Indonesia also said that in terms of bilateral attitude, Indonesia still adheres to the non-alignment position, does not condemn Russia by name, but only calls for ending the war as soon as possible to achieve peace. More importantly, Indonesia has now extended an invitation to all G20 leaders, including Russia, to attend the summit in Bali, Indonesia, at the end of the year.
At present, Putin has also confirmed through the Russian Embassy in Indonesia that he will attend the summit in Bali. Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Lyudmila also thanked Indonesia for its firm support for Russia's participation in the G20 summit: "We are very grateful to the Indonesian government for its balanced and fair position, and we agree with and support Indonesia's view that the G20 is a platform for discussing economic issues, not a forum for discussing political issues." ”
Indonesia's international observer Andrea Abdul's statement basically represents the position of public opinion and academia in the country: continuing to let Putin attend the G20 summit is a very correct choice to continue to let Putin attend the G20 summit and not side with Western countries.
Despite repeated pressure from Western countries on Indonesia, Indonesia has maintained a fair and just attitude. Indonesia has not only called for peace, but has also actively helped to solve related problems, which can be said to have played a very positive role.
At present, there are still many peace-loving countries that can not be isolated and not abandoned, and peace and love are what people really pursue. Instead of politicizing anything and doing something extreme and unforgivable, as western countries do. (New text)