Senators urge Trump to withdraw Putin's invitation to G20 summit

Senators have urged President Trump to revoke Russia's invitation to the upcoming G20 summit, citing concerns over legitimizing a government that continues to attack Ukrainian civilian targets. The letter was initiated by Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker and Democratic foreign relations committee member Jeanne Shaheen.

They argued that allowing Russian President Putin to participate in a G20 Summit in the United States could be seen as legitimizing a government that has engaged in ongoing aggression against Ukraine. The senators highlighted Russia's assistance to Iran in attacks against US military personnel and its intensification of hybrid warfare activities across Europe.

They noted that Russian officials, including Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, have recently participated in G20 meetings in the United States while under US sanctions for harmful activities to US national security. The lawmakers emphasized that Russia is still waging war against Ukraine and has refused to agree to a just and lasting peace agreement.

They called on Trump to withdraw the invitation, stressing that if Putin is not isolated internationally, Russia lacks incentive to agree to a ceasefire. The senators urged the withdrawal of the invitation to prevent further participation of sanctioned Russian officials responsible for the war against Ukraine in future G20 events until Russia commits to a peaceful resolution.