G20 finance ministers fail to issue joint communique amid divisions over war in Ukraine

The Group of 20 major economies' finance chiefs had "strong consensus" on a number of issues, but failed to issue a joint communique due to divisions over Russia's war against Ukraine.

That's according to Reuters, Ukrinform reports.

"The Group of 20 major economies' finance chiefs on Saturday pledged to address global food insecurity and rising debt, but made few policy breakthroughs amid divisions over Russia's war in Ukraine at a two-day meeting in Indonesia," the report said.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said the differences had prevented the finance ministers and central bankers from issuing a formal communique but that the group had "strong consensus" on the need to address a worsening food security crisis.

Western countries have enforced strict sanctions against Russia. Other G20 nations, including China, India and South Africa, have been more muted in their response.

"This is a challenging time because Russia is part of the G20 and doesn't agree with the rest of us on how to characterize the war," Yellen said.