Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov attended G20 finance talks hosted by the United States in Asheville, North Carolina, on September 1, 2026. This marks his first in-person attendance at a G20 meeting since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Siluanov held a bilateral meeting with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, discussing financial cooperation within the G20 framework. A US official indicated that the meeting also addressed US President Donald Trump's peace plan for Ukraine.
European officials expressed their discontent with Siluanov's participation. Polish Finance Minister Andrzej Domanski stated he was unhappy with Russia's representation, citing a lack of trust in Moscow. He remarked, "We do not trust Russia. They lie constantly, and you need to be really, really cautious while discussing with them." German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil described the US decision to invite Siluanov as a troubling signal and emphasized the need for Russia to end the war in Ukraine.
European ministers and central bankers opposed appearing with Siluanov in the traditional G20 family photo, which was ultimately taken without him. Klingbeil noted that European officials had previously discussed Russia's involvement and agreed that maintaining dialogue could allow for a frank message to Moscow.
Siluanov's attendance contrasted sharply with the G20 meeting in Washington, DC, in April 2022, where his virtual participation led to walkouts by officials from Canada, the UK, the US, and the European Central Bank. White House spokesman Kush Desai stated that the Trump administration was working with Russia to seek a deal to end the conflict, but clarified that economic relief for Russia would not be provided until the war was over.
The US, holding the rotating G20 presidency, did not invite South Africa, the previous year's host, to the meeting. Poland, a non-permanent G20 member, was invited instead. Additionally, certain reporters from major US newsrooms were denied credentials to cover the event, a decision condemned by the National Press Club. The two-day meeting occurs amid record global debt levels and rising tensions related to various geopolitical issues.