Part 6/13:
The invasion of Ukraine has profoundly affected energy markets, supply chains, and regional stability. The summit statement that "today's era must not be of war" reflected a shared desire among many countries to seek peace. Yet, underlying tensions persisted, especially as Russian missile strikes escalated against Ukraine and as Russian officials reacted defensively, with some withdrawing from sessions early.
Putin's decision to skip the summit has not diminished the war's reality but inadvertently created space for diplomatic discussions to focus more on resolution efforts rather than fallout from his presence.