EditG20 Miami summit faces diplomatic strain as Putin weighs attendance
The State Department reiterated that “Russia is welcome to attend all G20 meetings” as the U.S. prepares to host what it hopes will be a “successful and productive summit”
Russian President Vladimir Putin may or may not travel to the G20 leaders’ summit in Miami in December, the Kremlin said on Friday, after the United States formally invited Russia and President Donald Trump described the Russian leader’s possible presence as potentially “very helpful.”
The prospect immediately highlights a core tension: several G20 members remain deeply reluctant to share the table with Putin following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which triggered the most severe crisis in Moscow’s relations with the West since the Cold War.
Kremlin keeps options open
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was deliberately non-committal when asked about Putin’s plans. “President Putin may go to Miami as a member of the G20, or he may not go, or another Russian representative may go,” he told state television. Moscow has accepted the invitation and intends to ensure Russia is “represented properly” at the summit, which it continues to view as a vital forum amid multiple global crises.
A U.S. official confirmed that Russia had accepted the invitation, while a senior administration source noted that no formal leader-level invites have yet been issued. Russia, as a full G20 member, will nevertheless be invited to all ministerial meetings and the leaders’ summit itself.
Trump’s outreach meets historical headwinds
Trump, speaking to reporters on Thursday, signalled a more conciliatory tone toward Moscow than many of his G20 counterparts. He described Russia’s 2014 expulsion from the Group of Eight as a mistake that had “offended” Putin and contributed to current problems, adding: “I’m of the opinion that you talk to everybody.” He also expressed doubt that Putin would actually attend, while emphasising his goal of ending the war in Ukraine.
The contrast with the rest of the G20 is stark. Putin has not attended a G20 summit since 2019, first citing the COVID-19 pandemic and then the fallout from the Ukraine invasion. For many member states – particularly those in Europe, as well as Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan and Australia – the idea of sitting across from the Russian president at a leaders’ table remains politically toxic. These countries have imposed sweeping sanctions, supplied Ukraine with military aid, and repeatedly condemned Moscow’s actions in multilateral forums. A Putin appearance could therefore force awkward choices: some leaders may send lower-level representatives, others could face domestic pressure to boycott sessions, and public protests or diplomatic snubs are widely expected if he does come.
Mixed signals from Washington
The State Department reiterated that “Russia is welcome to attend all G20 meetings” as the United States prepares to host what it hopes will be a “successful and productive summit.” Yet the invitation has already revived criticism that the Trump administration is softening its stance on Russia. Since taking office for a second term, Trump has adopted a friendlier posture toward Moscow, blamed Kyiv for prolonging the conflict, and extended waivers allowing purchases of Russian oil without sanctions.
For now, the Kremlin appears content to keep its options open while underscoring the G20’s importance. However, with several months still remaining until the G20 leaders’ summit takes place in Miami in December, much can happen that could significantly alter the current dynamics and leaders’ positions.
With Reuters, edited by g.g.
Caption: Russian President Vladimir Putin (R), accompanied by State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin, tours an exhibition marking the 80th birth anniversary of late LDPR leader Vladimir Zhirinovsky at the Manezh Central Exhibition Hall in Moscow, Russia, 24 April 2026. EPA/VALERIY SHARIFULIN /SPUTNIK/KREMLIN POOL
Updated: April 25, 2026 - 07:58
