US brings back Russia’s Siluanov to G20 finance talks, angering Europe | Russia-Ukraine war News
Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov unexpectedly attended G20 finance talks hosted by the United States in Asheville, North Carolina, on Monday, causing frustration among European ministers and officials. This marks Siluanov’s first in-person attendance at a G20 meeting since Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
During the meeting, Siluanov held a bilateral discussion with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, where the topics covered included financial cooperation under the G20 framework. A U.S. official indicated that the conversation also centered on President Donald Trump’s peace initiative for Ukraine.
In response to questions about Siluanov’s invitation, Trump stated, “We like getting along with everybody. One of the reasons I’m so successful, I get along with everybody.” However, European officials expressed dissent regarding Russia’s involvement in the talks.
Polish Finance Minister Andrzej Domanski voiced concern over Moscow’s representation, acknowledging the right of G20 hosts to extend invitations. He emphasized a lack of trust in Russia, stating, “They lie constantly, and you need to be really, really cautious while discussing with them,” highlighting Russia’s role as the aggressor in the Ukraine conflict. “So for me, it would be very difficult to have any kind of conversation with Russia,” he added.
German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil described the U.S. decision to welcome Siluanov as a “signal I find troubling.” Klingbeil urged Siluanov during a plenary session to end the war, reiterating support for Ukraine. He also noted that Europe is preparing to implement further sanctions against Russia and aims for close collaboration with the U.S. on these measures.
European ministers and central bankers subsequently opted not to appear with Siluanov in the customary G20 “family photo,” which was ultimately taken without him. Klingbeil mentioned that European officials, including European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde, discussed Russia’s presence ahead of the meeting and agreed that maintaining a channel for dialogue was essential for delivering a clear message to Moscow.
Siluanov’s participation contrasts sharply with the G20 meeting in Washington, D.C., in April 2022, when his virtual presence led officials from Canada, the UK, the U.S., and the European Central Bank to walk out in protest.
When asked about Siluanov’s attendance, White House spokesman Kush Desai told AFP that the Trump administration is engaging Russia to pursue a deal aimed at halting the conflict, which the president has condemned. Desai emphasized the administration’s commitment to speaking with necessary parties to foster progress at the G20.
Sources familiar with the U.S.-Russia talks indicated that Bessent made it clear that no economic relief would be provided to Russia until the war in Ukraine concludes. Despite Trump’s efforts for a negotiated settlement between Moscow and Kyiv, an initial plan largely accommodating Russian demands faced criticism from Ukraine and European governments.
While the U.S. currently holds the rotating G20 presidency, it did not invite South Africa, last year’s host, to the meeting. Poland, a non-permanent G20 member, was invited. Additionally, several major U.S. news organizations, including The New York Times and Bloomberg News, were denied credentials to cover the event, a decision condemned by the National Press Club for undermining press scrutiny.
This two-day meeting occurs amid unprecedented global debt levels nearing $353 trillion and follows an energy shock attributed to the ongoing U.S.-Israel conflict regarding Iran. It also takes place during rising tensions related to China’s trade surplus and concerns over the increasing impacts of investment in artificial intelligence.
