European Delegates Walk Out of IMF Meeting in Protest Over Russia's Ukraine Invasion

Dozens of European delegates walked out of an International Monetary Fund meeting in Bangkok on October 17, 2026, as Russia's Finance Minister Anton Siluanov prepared to speak, protesting the invasion of Ukraine. The action occurred during a session of the International Monetary and Financial Committee. Representatives from Germany, France, the UK, and Nordic and Baltic states led the protest, with Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel estimating about 50% of attendees left. Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey also departed, while ECB President Christine Lagarde remained seated, highlighting divisions over engaging with Moscow. The walkout underscored ongoing tensions since Russia's February 2022 invasion, with European governments refusing to normalize ties while the US favors keeping dialogue open. The meeting continued, producing a final statement, as Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan downplayed tensions and IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva focused on global economic challenges.