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

G20 finance ministers and central bank heads convened in Asheville, North Carolina for a two-day summit, overshadowed by controversy surrounding the White House's invitation of Russia. Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov made an unexpected appearance during the proceedings. US President Donald Trump stated that the US would not provide economic relief to Russia until it ends its invasion of Ukraine, which has drawn criticism from European leaders.

German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil expressed concern over the Russian representation at the summit, stating that they would not participate in a traditional family photo without Russia's media. Polish Finance Minister Andrzej Domanski voiced his unhappiness with Moscow's presence, emphasizing his distrust of the country. Media outlets, including Bloomberg News, Wall Street Journal, and New York Times, reported limited or no access to the G20 meeting, with journalists being denied credentials.

German journalists' union challenged the press restrictions, with Finance Minister Klingbeil criticizing the exclusion of journalists. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent met with Siluanov to convey the US stance on ending Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Bessent also discussed the possibility of an intensified sanction regime against Iran, known as "Operation Economic Outcast," which relies on third parties outside the US.

Meanwhile, Canada's Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne highlighted Canada's continued participation in the summit, emphasizing the need for economic growth and stability in trade.