Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov and leaders of the Russian central bank attended a meeting of Group of 20 finance ministers and central bankers in Asheville, North Carolina. The gathering marks the first time a Russian finance minister has attended an in-person G-20 meeting on U.S. soil since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Russian Finance Minister Attends U.S.-Hosted G-20 Meeting
The appearance followed an invitation extended by the Trump administration. While Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov regularly attends G-20 ministerial meetings—such as in Brazil in 2024 and South Africa in February 2025—Siluanov had previously participated only by video link in April 2022, shortly after the start of the war, when several Western finance ministers walked out during his remarks.
European Objections and Tensions Over Normalization
The invitation drew immediate pushback from European participants who have sought to isolate Moscow internationally. German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil, who also serves as vice chancellor, described the move as a U.S.-led attempt at normalization
and stated that he personally saw no reason for any easing of relations.
Klingbeil told reporters that he would have preferred Washington take a clear position against receiving Siluanov like a regular guest, adding that he refused to stand with the Russian minister for a joint photo. European Union representatives maintained a common position not to appear in pictures with Siluanov, and the traditional “family photo” was eventually taken on Aug. 31 without him and away from reporters.
Despite his objections, Klingbeil noted that Russia remains part of the G-20 and acknowledged the opportunity for direct dialogue. He stated that he told Siluanov directly to his face that the Russian government must end this war, what the consequences of this war are, and that we stand firmly on the side of Ukraine.
U.S. Rationale and Bilateral Discussions
White House spokesman Kush Desai defended the engagement, telling AFP that the Trump administration has been working with Russia to push for a deal to stop the ongoing bloodshed. The President and the administration will never shy away from talking with the folks we need to talk to, to further that,
Desai said.
President Donald Trump told reporters regarding the invitation, We like getting along with everybody.
Trump also expressed a generally positive view on Russian President Vladimir Putin potentially attending the upcoming main leaders’ summit in Miami this December, stating it would be probably very helpful.
During the Asheville meetings, a source familiar with U.S.-Russia bilateral talks stated that U.S. officials made clear Washington would not provide Russia with economic relief until the war in Ukraine is over.
Press Access Restrictions Draw Criticism
The invitation to Russia was not the only source of controversy at the gathering. The U.S. hosts’ treatment of the press also drew objections, with journalists from major U.S. media outlets initially denied access to cover the event.
Germany’s Finance Ministry intervened with the U.S. government at a senior diplomatic level over the restrictions. While the Berlin correspondent for the New York Times was ultimately granted accreditation, efforts on behalf of Bloomberg were unsuccessful. German delegation sources called the treatment of an international news agency unprecedented and unacceptable.
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