US irks Germany, Europe with Russian G20 invite, press bans

The G20 finance ministers and central bank heads convened in Asheville, North Carolina for discussions that were marred by discontent over the White House's decision to invite Russia while excluding certain journalists, the ongoing war with Iran and its economic repercussions, and Donald Trump's recent trade dispute with Canada.

Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov turned up unexpectedly during the opening of the talks on Monday and had a private meeting with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Speaking after the meeting, Trump stated that his administration welcomes all nations, including Russia, despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The US G20 presidency currently holds the rotating presidency, and the session is being hosted by the US. The US government communicated to certain news agencies on a confidential basis that Bessent used the meeting to convey to Siluanov that the US would not provide economic relief to Russia until it concludes its four-and-a-half-year invasion.

German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil expressed his concern, stating that the appearance of the Russian finance minister alongside the Russian media sent a worrying message. He and his European colleagues made it clear that they would not participate in the customary family photo, which was ultimately taken without Siluanov and away from the media.

Polish Finance Minister Andrzej Domanski conveyed to Reuters that while he acknowledged the G20 hosts' right to invite guests, he was unhappy to see Moscow represented. He expressed skepticism about Russia, asserting that they constantly lie and emphasizing the need for caution when engaging with them.

During the G20 summit, prominent US media outlets faced restricted access to the event. Bloomberg News, Wall Street Journal, and New York Times all complained about being denied media credentials for their journalists. Klingbeil criticized the press for being excluded, emphasizing that journalists and entire editorial teams have a legitimate interest in reporting openly and freely on the G20 summit.

Bessent attempted to garner support for the US plans for what it calls "Operation Economic Outcast," an intensified sanction regime against Iran. He argued that it could collapse within weeks or months if its remaining trading partners joined the sanctions. Meanwhile, the deteriorating trade talks between the US and Canada added to the strain at the meeting.

Canadian Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne assured that despite the recent friction, Canada remains at the table and ready to discuss, emphasizing the need to maintain economic growth and stability.