Allies bristle as sanctioned Russian finance minister attends U.S.-hosted G20 summit

Live updates

1. 12d ago

   Allies protest Russian finance minister's presence at U.S.-hosted G20

   European allies are shunning the Russian finance minister after Donald Trump invited the sanctioned official to a G20 summit hosted by the United States. While the Russian representative met with U.S. official Bessent, European nations have distanced themselves from Moscow. Bessent reportedly informed Russia that no economic relief will be provided until the war in Ukraine ends, maintaining that pressure on the Russian economy must continue. Despite these tensions and dissent from China, the G20 eventually backed a final statement.

   Why it matters

   Russia had been in a state of exile from such talks for three years. This invitation marks a shift in U.S. approach toward Moscow under the Trump administration. The move has caused friction with Germany and other European partners who continue to prioritize sanctions.

   What is confirmed

   • Donald Trump invited the Russian finance minister to the G20 meeting.
   • European nations shunned the Russian finance minister at the U.S.-hosted summit.
   • Bessent met with the Russian finance minister at the G20.
   • The G20 backed a final statement despite tensions involving Russia and dissent from China.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Bessent told Russia there would be no economic relief until the Ukraine war ends.
   • The U.S. implemented press bans that irked Germany and Europe.

   What to watch next

   • Details of the G20 final statement regarding Russian sanctions
   • Further diplomatic responses from Germany and the EU regarding the U.S. invite
   Sources used for this update (12)

   1. The Washington Post — Russian finance minister, invited by Trump, draws objections at G-20 meeting
   2. The Guardian — Ukraine war briefing: Pressure stays on Russian economy until war is over, says Bessent
   3. CNBC — Bessent reportedly tells Russia no economic relief until Ukraine war ends as Europe snubs Moscow at G20
   4. Financial Times — Europeans shun Russian finance minister at US-hosted G20 meeting
   5. Axios — Bessent met with Russian counterpart at G20
   6. The Independent — Trump faces huge backlash for inviting Russia to G20 talks after three years of exile
   7. dw.com — US irks Germany, Europe with Russian G20 invite, press bans
   8. NBC News — Allies bristle as sanctioned Russian finance minister attends U.S.-hosted G20 summit
   9. CNBC — CNBC Daily Open: A surprise seat for Russia at the G20 table
   10. MS NOW — U.S. allies balk as Trump extends yet another reward to Putin’s Russia
   11. France 24 — G20 backs final statement despite Russia tensions, China dissent
   12. The Economic Times — India joins talks to set up SCO Development Bank
   confidence 90%