The word war is not on the agenda of the G20 summit on the Indonesian island of Bali. The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, the most important topic for many of the participants, is hidden behind the heading "Food and Energy Security". This is discussed in the very first working session.

With US President Joe Biden, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will also be sitting at the table, representing his President Vladimir Putin. It remains to be seen whether anything will come of it in the end.

Who belongs to the "Group of 20"?

The European Union and 19 leading economic powers from all continents: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, Germany, France, Great Britain, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Canada, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey and the USA . Together they represent almost two-thirds of the world's population, four-fifths of global economic power and three-quarters of world trade.

Why are there the peaks?

The G20 was founded in 1999 for international coordination on financial and economic issues. Initially, only finance ministers and central bank governors met. In 2008, the summit meetings of the heads of state and government were called into being in order to get a grip on the financial crisis at the time. In the meantime, however, the G20 is also dealing with many other global issues, from the fight against terrorism to climate protection and the fight against pandemics. And now with a war.

In the early years, it was possible to hide how different the community actually is: kings and autocrats have always sat there together with democratically elected heads of state and government. Today it is clearer than ever what different views they have of democracy, international law and human rights.

Why in the holiday paradise of Bali?

The host always decides on this. Logistical questions play a role when choosing the venue: Are there enough hotel rooms? Is there a major airport nearby? Can the event site be well shielded? For the Indonesian government, which has probably never had so many prominent politicians as guests, it should also be about presenting itself from the best side. It has long used the luxurious holiday resort of Nusa Dua in the south of the "Island of the Gods" as a conference venue.

Are all heads of state and government present this time?

no Russian President Vladimir Putin canceled just under a week before the start of the summit - after a series of defeats in the war of aggression against Ukraine, which culminated last week in the withdrawal from the strategically important city of Cherson. Putin sent his Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who arrived in Bali on Sunday. Also not present: Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who is also being represented by his foreign minister. It was recently unclear whether Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro would show up at the G20 summit despite being voted out.

Is Ukraine invited?

Yes. The host has the option to invite host countries. The choice of Indonesian President Joko Widodo fell on Ukraine, among others. However, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will only take part via video link.

Why is the West sitting down with representatives of Russia at all?

He wants to demonstrate that he doesn't shy away from a verbal confrontation with Russia. The motto is that the G20 member Russia will not be allowed to destroy the important forum for global questions and problems. Instead, they want to show Russia that it is largely isolated internationally.

What allies does Russia have in the G20?

Especially China. But India and South Africa also did not vote in the UN General Assembly to condemn Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, but abstained. In terms of population, this faction in the G20 is even larger than those who condemned the invasion.

Will there be a joint final declaration?

this is open In the case of controversial issues, negotiations are currently underway as to whether the different points of view could be contrasted. For example, it could be noted that numerous G20 members consider Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine to be illegal and condemn it. The perspective of Russia would then be noted. Publishing a declaration without Russia's consent - that is, a 19 to 1 - would be desirable from a Western perspective, but rather unenforceable with Russia's allies.

What is Chancellor Olaf Scholz hoping for?

He hopes that everyone will at least agree not to use nuclear weapons. With this, Scholz wants to counter the Russian threats with a nuclear strike in the Ukraine war. He brought China on board during his trip to Beijing a week ago.

Who or what else could play a role at the summit?

Someone thousands of miles away. Ex-President Donald Trump has announced a "very big announcement" for Tuesday - the first day of the G20. The 76-year-old Republican is likely to publicize a renewed candidacy for the 2024 presidential election on this day. This will not only interest Biden and his delegation in Bali.