The United States is contemplating an invitation for Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend the upcoming G20 summit, scheduled for December at President Donald Trump’s golf resort in Miami. Although no formal invitation has been extended yet, discussions are underway regarding Russia’s participation.
According to a statement from the U.S. State Department, President Trump has indicated that Russia is welcome to join all G20 sessions, as the U.S. aims to ensure a successful and productive summit. A senior administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that while official invitations have not yet been sent, Russia, as a member of the G20, will be invited to both ministerial meetings and the leaders’ summit.
During a press briefing on April 23, Trump noted that he was unaware of any invitation being sent to Putin but expressed openness to the idea. “If he comes, it would probably be very beneficial,” Trump stated, adding that he believes in engaging in dialogue with all parties. However, he expressed skepticism about whether Putin would accept the invitation.
It is worth noting that Russia has not participated in in-person G20 meetings since 2019, initially due to the COVID-19 pandemic and later because of its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which led to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for Putin.
In related developments on April 23, Russian officials indicated that Putin had received an invitation to the Miami summit, although it remains unclear whether he will attend. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated during a phone call with journalists that a decision regarding the format of Russia’s participation would be made closer to the summit date.
Additionally, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin mentioned in a conversation with Russian media that the U.S. had sent an invitation “at the highest level,” but with several months until the event, it is uncertain if it will be accepted. Earlier in March, Trump revealed that he had a “good” phone conversation with Putin, during which they discussed the war in Ukraine and escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The U.S. is considering inviting President Putin to the G20 summit in Miami, though no formal invitation has been issued. Discussions about Russia's participation are ongoing amid past absences from G20 meetings.