Delegates to the International Monetary Fund's steering committee walked out of a meeting on Saturday when Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov addressed the group in Russian, three sources familiar with the matter said. The International Monetary and Financial Committee has been unable to reach consensus statements since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The walkout underscores deep divisions among global finance leaders over Russia's role in international forums due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, impacting diplomatic relations and potentially future economic cooperation.
BANGKOK, Oct 17 (Reuters) - Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey joined finance leaders from France, Germany, and several Scandinavian and Baltic countries in walking out of an International Monetary Fund steering committee meeting on Saturday. The delegates departed when Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov began addressing the group in Russian, protesting Russia's involvement in the Ukraine war. German Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel stated that nearly half of all delegates participated in the joint departure. The US, through Treasury Undersecretary Erin Browne, supported Russia's presence despite European concerns. The meeting acknowledged the global economy's resilience but warned against complacency due to public debt and high bond rates, with a statement from committee chair Mohammed al-Jadaan highlighting risks from escalating conflicts and trade tensions.
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