Harper tells Putin to “get out of Ukraine” at G20 summit in Australia

Canadian PM Stephen Harper (left) and Russian President Vladimir Putin (Photo courtesy of PM Harper’s Facebook photos)

BRISBANE, Australia — Stephen Harper told Vladimir Putin to “get out of Ukraine” in an encounter with the Russian leader at the Group of 20 summit in Brisbane, Australia.

Harper’s spokesman, Jason MacDonald, said the prime minister was speaking to a group of leaders at this morning’s session when Putin approached and extended his hand.

MacDonald said Harper told Putin “I guess I’ll shake your hand but I have only one thing to say to you, you need to get out of Ukraine.”

According to MacDonald, Putin did not respond positively, however, he didn`t provide further details.

Prime Minister Harper and other G20 leaders began their annual summit in a tense atmosphere dominated by Western anger towards Putin and pressure to address climate change, fight Ebola and kickstart economic growth.

A senior government source had earlier stated that Harper had no intention of talking to Putin during the summit, noting the Russian leader is well aware of Canada’s position on his aggression in Ukraine.