European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde took a firm stance against the war in Ukraine during a private meeting with Russia’s finance minister, Anton Siluanov, in Bangkok. The encounter occurred just before the plenary session of the International Monetary Fund’s top advisory body on Saturday. According to a person familiar with the matter, Lagarde urged Siluanov to convey a message to President Vladimir Putin, emphasizing that war undermines prosperity and that lasting economic growth can only be achieved through peace.
The source, who declined to be identified due to the confidential nature of the meeting, highlighted Lagarde’s direct appeal to Russia’s leadership. The exchange underscores the ongoing tensions between global financial leaders and the geopolitical fallout from the conflict in Ukraine.