G20 finance leaders concluded their two-day meeting in North Carolina on Tuesday, with most members backing the chair’s statement as Washington defended Russia’s participation in the discussions.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the broad support for the statement showed that Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov’s attendance had not affected the talks. Ukraine’s European allies, however, expressed frustration after US officials welcomed Siluanov at the meetings in Asheville.
Middle East War Shapes G20 Discussions
The conflict in the Middle East and US President Donald Trump’s tariffs also dominated discussions. The chair’s statement called for “free, safe, and predictable navigation through the Strait of Hormuz,” although China rejected that section.
The strategic waterway has remained largely blocked by Tehran since the war began in late February following US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Meanwhile, the United States used its G20 presidency to seek support for sanctions against Iran and efforts to reduce trade imbalances.
European officials also objected to Russia’s presence during the traditional G20 group photograph. Siluanov did not appear in Monday’s photo, while separate arrangements at another G20 innovation meeting allowed European representatives to stand apart from Russia’s delegation.
Europe Questions Russia’s G20 Role
EU economy chief Valdis Dombrovskis said the gathering was not the right time to “normalize” Russia’s presence. He argued that Moscow was waging war in Ukraine and that its participation required discussions involving sensitive economic matters.
Canadian Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne acknowledged that Siluanov’s appearance created discomfort but did not say it disrupted negotiations. In contrast, Bessent defended engagement, noting that Siluanov was not under US sanctions.
The dispute comes as Germany accused Russia of a recent attempted hybrid attack involving a drone near a strategic airport. Bessent also avoided discussing publicly whether Washington pressured Moscow over its support for Iran, saying some conversations are better handled privately.
