Siluanov returns to the G20 table in Asheville as European ministers shun him
Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov attended the G20 talks in Asheville, marking his first in-person appearance since 2022. European ministers isolated him and refused to stand beside him for the customary group photo. Siluanov held a bilateral meeting with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Donald Trump defended the invitation by telling reporters that he likes getting along with everybody. The European Union is preparing a further sanctions package against Russia.
Geopolitics··Midday
Siluanov makes an unexpected appearance and meets Bessent in Asheville
Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov made an unexpected appearance on Monday at the US-hosted G20 finance leaders' talks in Asheville, North Carolina. A European source said this was his first in-person attendance since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. On Monday morning Siluanov also met US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the Treasury Department said. When asked about the invitation to Siluanov, President Donald Trump told reporters: 'We like getting along with everybody.'[1], [2]
European ministers object to Moscow's presence and shun Siluanov
Siluanov's physical attendance after Moscow's 2022 invasion of Ukraine has drawn ire. European officials isolated him, objected to his presence and refused to stand beside him for the customary group photo, which was taken without him. Polish Finance Minister Andrzej Domanski said he was unhappy to see Moscow represented, stating 'We do not trust Russia.' German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil said the US decision to welcome Siluanov sent a 'signal I find troubling'. The European Union is preparing a further sanctions package against Russia to maintain economic pressure.[1], [2]
Finance chiefs meet for two days in Asheville after a 2022 walkout
Finance ministers and central bank governors from the G20 are meeting for two days in Asheville, North Carolina, as Washington tries to rally support for greater economic pressure on Iran and to find ways to boost growth. At a G20 finance ministers' meeting in 2022, when Siluanov attended virtually, the United States under the Biden administration led a multinational walkout as Russian officials spoke.[2]
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