G20 backs final statement despite Russia tensions, China dissent

Live updates

1. 12d ago

   G20 Approves Final Statement Amid Russian Return and China Dissent

   The G20 has backed a final statement despite internal friction caused by Russia's return to the group and dissent from China. President Trump invited the Russian finance minister to the US-hosted meeting, a move that drew protests and shunning from European allies. While US Treasury Secretary Bessent met with his Russian counterpart, he maintained that economic pressure on Russia will persist until the war in Ukraine ends. The summit was further marked by tensions over the US decision to bar journalists from the proceedings.

   Why it matters

   Russia's presence at the G20 is contentious due to the ongoing war in Ukraine and existing sanctions. The divide between the US and its European allies highlights differing strategies on how to engage with Moscow. This friction occurs against a backdrop of broader G20 disagreements involving China.

   What is confirmed

   • The G20 approved a final statement despite dissent from China and tensions regarding Russia.
   • President Trump invited the Russian finance minister to the US-hosted G20 meeting.
   • European nations expressed disapproval and shunned the Russian finance minister during the summit.
   • The US barred journalists from the G20 ministers meeting.
   • Treasury Secretary Bessent met with the Russian finance minister.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Bessent told Russia there would be no economic relief until the Ukraine war ends.

   What to watch next

   • Official publication of the G20 final statement text
   • Details on specific points of Chinese dissent
   • Future US-European coordination on Russian economic sanctions
   Sources used for this update (14)

   1. The Washington Post — Russian finance minister, invited by Trump, draws objections at G-20 meeting
   2. Reuters — US irks G20 ministers by bringing back Russia, barring journalists
   3. Politico — Trump welcomes Russia back to the G20. Europe isn’t having it.
   4. The Guardian — Ukraine war briefing: Pressure stays on Russian economy until war is over, says Bessent
   5. CNBC — Bessent reportedly tells Russia no economic relief until Ukraine war ends as Europe snubs Moscow at G20
   6. Financial Times — Europeans shun Russian finance minister at US-hosted G20 meeting
   7. Axios — Bessent met with Russian counterpart at G20
   8. Time Magazine — Trump Defends Hosting Russia at G20 as Europeans Voice Disapproval
   9. NBC News — Allies bristle as sanctioned Russian finance minister attends U.S.-hosted G20 summit
   10. The New York Times — Europe Protests as U.S. Invites Russian Minister to G20 Finance Meeting
   11. France 24 — G20 backs final statement despite Russia tensions, China dissent
   12. Reuters — Europeans bristle at Russia's return to G20
   confidence 90%