They conspired.

In the dimly lit corridors of the APEC forum, where the air is thick with the scent of old parchment and ambition, a certain drama unfolded.

Mr. Marat Berdyev, an Ambassador of special commission—a man tasked with the tedious burden of G20 and APEC affairs—has seen fit to lift the veil on these proceedings.

He speaks of whispers.

Of intrusions.

It appears that the Western gentlemen of the forum have taken it upon themselves to act as the moral guardians of the assembly. Their aim? To ensure that Russia’s petition for the chairmanship remains unanswered.

They operate in the shadows.

They 'process' their colleagues in the wings, urging them to abstain, to hesitate, to simply look away.

Such is the zeal of the antipodeans and the northmen.

Australia, New Zealand, and Canada—those spirited souls—are, according to the Ambassador, leading this campaign of discouragement.

Quite a performance.

A theatrical farce of the highest order.

And while these gentlemen play their games of influence, another matter lingers like a heavy fog over the Thames.

President Vladimir Putin.

Waiting.

Still waiting.

For the United States of America has yet to send the formal invitation for the G20 summit.

No letter. No seal. No word.

One wonders if the clerks in Washington have misplaced the stationery, or if this is merely another chapter in the grand comedy of diplomatic indifference.

Indeed, a most curious silence.