Trump Defends Hosting Russia at G20 Amid European Backlash
President Donald Trump defended hosting Russia at the G20 finance meeting in Asheville, North Carolina, amid backlash from European officials. The U.S. had not publicly announced Russia's planned attendance ahead of the meeting.
European leaders expressed disapproval over Russia's inclusion, with some reportedly refusing to participate in a group photograph if Siluanov was included. Germany's Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil stated he would have wished the Russian Finance Minister was not received as a normal guest and added that 'every day people die due to Russian attacks.'
Polish Finance Minister Andrzej Domanski told Reuters, 'We do not trust Russia. They lie constantly,' and said it would be difficult for him to have any kind of conversation with Russia.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent met with his Russian counterpart on the sidelines of the event in Asheville. Russia's Finance Ministry said the pair discussed cooperation on financial matters and interaction within the G20 framework.