The United States extends an invitation for Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend the G20 summit in Miami, marking a significant easing of international pressure on Putin since the invasion of Ukraine.
The United States will extend invitations to all members of the Group of 20 major economies for ministerial meetings and the leaders' summit, with Russia being among them.
This invitation indicates a major easing of international sanctions imposed on Russian President Vladimir Putin following his decision to invade Ukraine in 2022.
According to sources within the Trump administration, this year's host country will send out invitations reflecting an inclusive approach towards all G20 members.
The United States is set to host the summit in December in Miami, Florida.
President
Donald Trump expressed skepticism regarding Putin’s potential attendance when questioned by a reporter.
He stated that he doubted whether Putin would actually attend but acknowledged the potential benefits if he did.
Trump emphasized his support for reestablishing diplomatic relations with Russia, criticizing former President Barack Obama's decision to expel Russia from the G8 (an organization of wealthy democracies) in response to an earlier incursion into Ukraine in 2014.
Trump has previously welcomed Putin to a meeting in Alaska, marking the first time Putin stepped foot on Western soil since the invasion.
Trump's administration has attempted to engage with Russia for negotiations to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, though these efforts have not yielded concrete results as of yet.
The blame for the stalled progress is often placed on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his refusal to cede territory to Russia.
The Kremlin has not made a definitive decision regarding Putin's attendance at the summit in Miami.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin stated that an invitation had been extended 'at the highest level.'
In 2023, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Putin due to his involvement in the Ukraine conflict, which could potentially limit his travel to countries legally obligated to detain him.
However, as a non-member of the ICC and under Trump's active opposition to it, the United States is not subject to this obligation.
Putin has been absent from G20 summits since 2019 due to both the
COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.