Trump welcomes Russia back to the G20. Europe isn’t having it.
Moscow's inclusion was a sharp change from how the U.S. handled such gatherings after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.
The Trump administration's decision to invite Russia to the G20 summit has sparked tensions with European allies, who wish to maintain their isolation of Moscow due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov attended the first day of the U.S.-hosted G20 talks, along with a meeting with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
European officials in Asheville denounced the decision and protested the photo taken with Siluanov, claiming it would not have happened in previous years. Treasury Secretary Bessent made it clear that the U.S. would not offer any economic relief to Russia until the war in Ukraine ends. Despite the protests, a group photo was taken without the Russian finance minister and Russia's delegation.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, harshly criticized the administration's decision, urging the House to pass a new Russia sanctions package.
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