Delegates Walked Out Of The IMF Meeting While A Russian Official Was Speaking

• 18.10.2026, 11:40

Russia is facing a new boycott on the international stage.

At the annual meeting of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in Bangkok, representatives from several European countries walked out of the IMF Steering Committee meeting when Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov took the floor, according to Reuters citing sources.

Nearly ten representatives from various countries walked out of the hall. Among them were delegations from Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia.

Since 2022, following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the International Monetary and Financial Committee has been unable to agree on joint statements. Disagreements over Russian aggression are preventing meeting participants from reaching a common position.

European diplomats emphasize that Moscow’s return to the usual format of international cooperation is unacceptable. In their view, “relations with Russia cannot be normalized.”

Germany has also warned against attempts to bring the Kremlin back onto the international stage. This warning followed the participation of Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov in G20 meetings. Washington, on the other hand, has spoken out in favor of the presence of Russian representatives, stating the need for “open dialogue.”
Against this backdrop, European leaders are discussing further support for Ukraine. At the EU summit, Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized energy deal between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russia, calling it a “diesel deal,” and welcomed Europe’s strengthened role in the peace talks.

European Union countries reaffirmed their support for Kyiv amid massive Russian shelling. At the same time, Europe fears that the U.S. may reduce the exchange of intelligence and military aid to Ukraine.