Bessent meets Russian Finance Minister to discuss Trump’s “peace plan” – media

Russian finance minister Anton Siluanov made an unexpected appearance at the US-hosted G20 finance ministers talks on Monday. This marked his first physical presence at the gathering since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, causing controversy. Siluanov also met with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The G20 finance ministers and central bank governors are meeting in Asheville, North Carolina, to rally support for economic pressure on Iran and boost growth.

However, Siluanov's attendance has frustrated European leaders. German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil stated that he would have preferred a clear stance from Washington that Siluanov not be treated as a regular guest. Klingbeil also told Siluanov during a plenary session that the Russian government must end the war in Ukraine and that the US supports Ukraine.

Siluanov refused to participate in a joint photo with European leaders, calling it a "too big a step." The US Treasury chief, during his bilateral meeting with Siluanov, advocated for President Trump's peace plan for Ukraine, a plan that was criticized by Kyiv and Europe.