Russia says will 'consider' US G20 invitation for Putin

MOSCOW: Russia has indicated it will contemplate an invitation extended by the United States government for President Vladimir Putin to participate in the G20 summit scheduled in the United States in December. US President Donald Trump had previously extended the invitation to Putin for the summit of world leaders in Miami, as announced earlier this week by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio following his meeting with Russia's top diplomat, Sergei Lavrov.

This comes amid ongoing challenges for Washington in reaching a resolution to the four-and-a-half-year conflict in Ukraine, with Trump asserting his efforts to engage with both sides. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Thursday that while they receive the invitation with appreciation and value it, a decision regarding Putin's attendance remains to be made.

Despite having spoken by telephone on multiple occasions, the last meeting between the US and Russian presidents occurred in 2025. The G20 summit is set to take place on December 14-15, as the United States assumes the rotating presidency of the forum, which comprises major advanced and emerging economies. Participants include France, Germany, and Britain, all of whom are strong supporters of Ukraine in its defense against Russia's invasion that began in February 2022.