Russian finance minister, invited by Trump, draws objections at G-20 meeting
President Trump has invited Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov to G-20 finance talks in Asheville, ending a three-year exile for Russia. The move has drawn strong protests from European allies, including Germany, who have shunned Siluanov at the US-hosted meeting. Despite the tension, US official Bessent met with his Russian counterpart but reportedly informed Russia that no economic relief will be provided until the war in Ukraine ends. The US also drew criticism for barring journalists from the proceedings.
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- ✓ President Trump invited Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov to the G-20 meeting.
- ✓ European officials and allies have protested or shunned the Russian finance minister's attendance.
- ✓ The G-20 finance meeting is being hosted by the US in Asheville.
- ✓ The US barred journalists from the G-20 proceedings.
What changed
Anton Siluanov attended a G-20 meeting in person for the first time since the 2022 start of the Russia-Ukraine war.
Live updates
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Trump's Invite to Russian Finance Minister Sparks G-20 Friction
President Trump has invited Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov to G-20 finance talks in Asheville, ending a three-year exile for Russia. The move has drawn strong protests from European allies, including Germany, who have shunned Siluanov at the US-hosted meeting. Despite the tension, US official Bessent met with his Russian counterpart but reportedly informed Russia that no economic relief will be provided until the war in Ukraine ends. The US also drew criticism for barring journalists from the proceedings.
Why it matters
Russia had been excluded from G-20 participation for three years following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. This return signals a shift in US diplomatic strategy under Trump, though European nations maintain a harder line. The conflict between US hosting duties and allied sanctions remains unresolved.
What is confirmed
- President Trump invited Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov to the G-20 meeting.
- European officials and allies have protested or shunned the Russian finance minister's attendance.
- The G-20 finance meeting is being hosted by the US in Asheville.
- The US barred journalists from the G-20 proceedings.
- Bessent met with the Russian finance minister at the G-20.
Still unconfirmed
- Bessent told Russia there would be no economic relief until the Ukraine war ends.
- Pressure will stay on the Russian economy until the war is over, according to Bessent.
What to watch next
- Official statements from European leaders regarding future G-20 cooperation
- Confirmation of specific economic sanctions status for Russian officials attending the summit
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (19)
- The Washington Post — Russian finance minister, invited by Trump, draws objections at G-20 meeting
- Reuters — US irks G20 ministers by bringing back Russia, barring journalists
- cnbc.com — Bessent reportedly tells Russia no economic relief until Ukraine war ends as Europe snubs Moscow at G20
- Politico — Trump welcomes Russia back to the G20. Europe isn’t having it.
- The Guardian — Ukraine war briefing: Pressure stays on Russian economy until war is over, says Bessent
- Al Jazeera — US brings back Russia’s Siluanov to G20 finance talks, angering Europe
- Financial Times — Europeans shun Russian finance minister at US-hosted G20 meeting
- Axios — Bessent met with Russian counterpart at G20
- The Independent — Trump faces huge backlash for inviting Russia to G20 talks after three years of exile
- dw.com — US irks Germany, Europe with Russian G20 invite, press bans
- Time Magazine — Trump Defends Hosting Russia at G20 as Europeans Voice Disapproval
- The Hill — Europe blasts Russian finance minister’s attendance at Asheville G20
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