https://www.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-putin-news-03-24-22/h_4708efa8adf9ccf57e8f4eac0a50d810
US President Joe Biden said on Thursday that he believes Russia should be removed from the Group of 20, and that it’s up to Ukraine to decide whether it’s necessary to cede some of its territory in order to reach a ceasefire.
“My answer is yes,” Biden said during a news conference when asked about whether Russia should be removed. “It depends on the G20. That was raised today, and I raised the possibility that, if that can’t be done – if Indonesia and others do not agree – then we should, in my view, ask to have both Ukraine be able to attend the meetings as well as … basically (having) Ukraine being able to attend the G20 meeting and observe.”
The White House had previously declined to weigh in publicly on reports that the US and allies want Russia removed from the group, but left the door open to the possibility. And following reports this week suggesting Russia may be removed, Russia’s ambassador in Jakarta said on Wednesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin “wants to go” to the G20 summit in Indonesia in November.
Also, when asked during Thursday’s news conference about whether Ukrainian President Zelensky needs to cede any territory in order gain a ceasefire with Russia, Biden said it was up to the Ukrainians to decide.
“That is a total judgment based on Ukraine. Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine. I don’t believe that they’re going to have to do that, but there is a judgment,” Biden said, adding that there are discussions taking place that he’s not been part of on the matter.
“It’s their judgment to make,” he added.