Kremlin Challenges Poland’s Push to Join G20, Citing Economic Criteria

Moscow questions Poland’s economic fit for the group following U.S. moves to promote its role at the Miami summit.

Overview

Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the G20 is an economic forum that should prioritize discussions on economic issues.
Peskov criticized Polish authorities for turning participation in international groupings into politics and for distorting political meanings.
He acknowledged Poland as a large economy in Eastern Europe but said its economic parameters must match those of G20 participants.
TASS reports the United States invited Poland to the next G20 gathering in Miami and did not invite representatives of South Africa.
RIA Novosti reports, citing comments attributed to Marco Rubio, that Poland is expected to take part in next December’s leaders’ summit and enter the grouping, a claim not independently confirmed.