Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Christia Freeland joined officials from other national governments on a walk to the G20 summit on Wednesday as the Russian delegation spoke at the event.
In a tweet Wednesday afternoon, Freeland – who is in Washington for a meeting of finance ministers and central bankers – said Russia “should not participate in or join these meetings” because of its invasion of Ukraine.
“This week’s meetings in Washington are in support of the global economy – and Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine is a serious threat to the global economy,” Freeland tweeted.
She added that world democracies want to send a message to Russia by leaving.
“World democracies will not stand idly by in the face of ongoing Russian aggression and war crimes,” Freeland wrote on Twitter.
This week’s meetings in Washington are in support of the world economy – and Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine is a serious threat to the world economy. Russia should not participate in or participate in these meetings. #IMFMeetings
– @ cafreeland
Freeland has spoken out against Russian war crimes in Ukraine before, saying Canada will work with allies to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government has called for Russia to be removed from the G20.
Other financial leaders seen leaving include Ukrainian Finance Minister Sergei Marchenko, Bank of Canada Governor Typh McLeham, US Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde and US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen.
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