Ukraine, Western Nations Walk Out on Russia's Siluanov at IMF Bangkok Meeting

Ukraine's National Bank Governor Andriy Pyshny told media that he joined the heads of several Western delegations in staging a walkout during Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov's address at the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank held in Bangkok, Thailand.

First Appearance Since Invasion

Siluanov was attending the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC) plenary session for the first time since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The session brought together finance ministers and central bank governors from IMF and World Bank member countries.

The Protest

Pyshny described the walkout as a necessary and principled response. Western delegates left the room together as a coordinated demonstration of protest against Russia's continued aggression. The walkout drew significant attention and sent a clear diplomatic signal to Moscow.

Context

The protest took place against the backdrop of Russia's ongoing military campaign against Ukraine. Kyiv and its Western partners have repeatedly called for Russia's economic exclusion from international forums while the war continues. The appearance of Russian officials at high-level international financial institutions remains deeply controversial.