Champagne says U.S. move to invite Russia to G20 meeting caused ‘a lot of discomfort’
OTTAWA - Canada's Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne has commented on the U.S. decision to invite Russia to the G20 meeting in Asheville, N.C. Champagne stated that this move has caused "a lot of discomfort" among many countries present.
Champagne made these remarks after meeting with his fellow G20 finance ministers. Despite Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine, Russia remains a member of the G20. However, Champagne emphasized that supporting Ukrainians is a fundamental aspect of Canada's foreign policy.
The U.S. invited Russia to the G20 meeting under the rationale of fostering good relations with all nations. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reportedly informed Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov that the U.S. would not provide economic relief to Russia until it ceases its actions in Ukraine.
Champagne underscored that the destruction caused by Russian strikes on Ukraine demands a collective response from all nations. He further asserted that Canada had made it abundantly clear that Russia's invitation to the G20 meeting was inappropriate.
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