ASHEVILLE, North Carolina: Russia’s return to the G20 drew protests from European officials on August 31, with the group photo taken without Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov after objections to his inclusion.
Siluanov attended the US-hosted meeting of Group of 20 finance ministers and central bank governors in person. It marked his first physical appearance at such a G20 meeting since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil said European ministers and central bankers opposed appearing alongside Siluanov in the traditional “family photo.” Organisers eventually took the photograph without the Russian minister.
Klingbeil also criticised Washington’s reception of Siluanov, saying Russia’s continuing war meant relations could not return to normal.
He said Europe was preparing another sanctions package and wanted close cooperation with the United States. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent nevertheless met Siluanov on the sidelines.
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A Treasury spokesperson said the talks covered President Donald Trump’s Ukraine peace efforts, while Russia’s Finance Ministry said the officials discussed financial cooperation and G20 matters.
Reuters and AFP reported that Bessent also made it clear that economic relief for Russia would not proceed while the war continued.
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The White House defended direct talks with Moscow as part of its effort to reach an agreement to end the conflict.
The United States holds the 2026 G20 presidency and set the guest list for the Asheville meeting, which runs from August 31 to September 1. The US Treasury confirmed the dates before the gathering.
