MOSCOW, November 7 (RIA Novosti) – The leaders of G20 will not discuss the political crisis in Ukraine or sanctions against Russia next week during their meeting in Brisbane, Australia, Russian Sherpa Svetlana Lukash said Friday.
"In regard to the G20, these issues aren't on the agenda, but undoubtedly during bilateral meetings these issues may be discussed since there is plenty of time at the summit," Lukash said.
She said that geopolitical risks will be touched upon, including risks associated with Ukraine that have an influence on the world economy.
Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov added that discussions at the summit will be informal and the leaders may talk on any given subject.
"I don't exclude that Ukraine will be discussed, as well as other topics, including the fight against the [Islamic State], Afghanistan and so on," Ushakov said.
According to him, the G20 leaders will also raise the issue of the spread of the Ebola virus.
Relations between Russia and the West deteriorated amid the Ukrainian crisis. Over the past few months, the United States, the European Union and their allies have introduced several rounds of sanctions against Russia, accusing the country of meddling in Ukraine's internal affairs and sending troops to the conflict-torn country. However, none of these statements have been supported with any evidence. Moscow has repeatedly denied these allegations, stating that Russia is not involved in what it describes an internal conflict.
Leaders of the world's major economies will meet in Brisbane at the G20 summit on November 15-16.
