Russian President Vladimir Putin may or may not attend the Putin G20 Miami summit later this year, the Kremlin said, leaving open the possibility that another senior Russian representative could travel instead.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Putin could go to Miami as Russia’s G20 representative, but added that the president may also decide not to attend. In that case, Moscow would still send another representative.
Peskov said Russia would be represented “with dignity” and at the “proper level” regardless of who attends the summit. He also stressed that Moscow continues to view the G20 as an important platform. The Kremlin spokesman said global crises are growing and emerging, which means there may be “much to talk about” by the time leaders gather.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Aleksandr Pankin said Russia had received an invitation to participate in the summit “at the highest level,” according to Russian state media. The summit is set for December 14-15 in Miami, Florida. Reports from international outlets also say Washington intends to include Russia in the 2026 G20 process as a member of the group.
The Washington Post reported that U.S. President Donald Trump intends to invite Putin to the summit, citing administration officials. Trump has also said it would be helpful if Putin attended. However, the Kremlin has not confirmed Putin’s attendance. Peskov’s latest comments suggest Moscow is keeping its options open.
Putin last attended a G20 summit in person in 2019. He later participated in the 2020 and 2021 summits by videoconference. The G20 summit brings together major developed and developing economies to discuss global economic and political challenges. This year’s meeting in Miami is expected to draw attention because of ongoing international crises and Russia’s uncertain level of representation.
