Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: The final day of the G20 summit in Brazil was overshadowed by escalating tensions in Ukraine and stalled UN climate negotiations, with leaders grappling to address global challenges amidst heightened geopolitical and environmental stakes.

Chinese President Xi Jinping warned of “turbulent times” ahead during a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, who expressed concerns over Russia’s nuclear rhetoric while urging a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict. Macron and Xi noted their shared goals of diplomacy but acknowledged the growing complexity of the war.

Efforts by Xi and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to broker peace talks between Ukraine and Russia have failed to gain traction as the conflict intensifies. U.S. President Joe Biden, perceived as a weakened leader with Donald Trump’s potential return to the presidency, made a significant policy shift by allowing Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles to target Russian territory.

Russia confirmed the use of these long-range missiles in its border region, prompting Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to warn of escalating Western involvement and suggest nuclear risks. Lavrov, standing in for President Vladimir Putin, accused the U.S. of direct engagement, marking what he described as a "new phase" in the war.

The G20’s joint declaration refrained from directly condemning Russia's actions, instead calling for “constructive initiatives” to support peace in Ukraine.

Global Calls for Ceasefires in the Middle East
The summit also addressed the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with leaders urging comprehensive ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon. Israel’s military operations and tensions with Iran further complicated the regional outlook.

Climate Challenges and Lula’s Agenda
Brazilian President Lula sought to steer the summit’s focus toward combating global hunger and advancing stalled climate negotiations. While the G20 acknowledged the need for increased climate financing for poorer nations, it stopped short of committing to a transition away from fossil fuels.

Lula emphasized that next year’s UN climate talks in Belem would be a critical moment to avoid “irreversible” environmental damage. Echoing this urgency, Biden called for renewed commitment, stating, “History is watching us.”

Plot Against Lula Uncovered
The summit took an unexpected turn with the arrest of four Brazilian soldiers accused of plotting to assassinate Lula in 2022. The federal police alleged the suspects were involved in a coup attempt before Lula’s presidency. While the military denied their involvement in the summit's security detail, the incident added tension to an already charged gathering.

The G20 summit concluded with leaders facing unresolved conflicts and challenges, underscoring the complexity of finding unity in addressing pressing global issues.