'Troubling Signal': Russia FM's Surprise Appearance At US-Hosted G20 Draws European Pushback

Russia’s surprise return to the opening of the US-hosted G20 finance meetings triggered European criticism on Monday, as ministers gathered amid the Iran war and growing tensions over US trade policy.

Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov made an unexpected appearance at the two-day meeting in Asheville, North Carolina, despite European efforts to isolate Moscow following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

The gathering brings together finance ministers and central bank governors from the world’s major economies, with the US seeking to build support for greater economic pressure on Iran and promote global growth.

Germany Calls Presence ‘Troubling’

German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil said he would have preferred Washington to make clear that Siluanov was not being treated as a regular

guest.

“Receiving the Russian finance minister here sends a signal I find troubling,” Klingbeil said. He added that he had made clear he would not join Siluanov for a group photograph.

The European Union’s position is to avoid appearing in photographs with the Russian finance minister.

The White House defended its engagement with Moscow. Spokesman Kush Desai said the Trump administration was working with Russia towards a deal that could “stop the endless bloodshed”.

“The president and the administration will never shy away from talking with the folks we need to talk to, to further that,” Desai said.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington would continue putting pressure on Iran, adding that discussions at the meeting had already been productive.

Trade Tensions Add To G20 Challenges

The meeting is also taking place against the backdrop of President Donald Trump’s trade disputes, including a fresh US-Canada standoff.

Canadian Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said Ottawa remained “at the table and constructive, ready to discuss”, while stressing the need to restore stability in global trade.

G7 finance ministers are also meeting alongside the G20 gathering, with discussions expected to include continued support for Ukraine and the Middle East conflict.

US priorities for the G20 presidency include addressing global economic imbalances, sovereign debt and growth.

The gathering has also faced a media row after some reporters from major US news organisations, including The New York Times and Bloomberg News, were denied credentials. The National Press Club criticised the decision, saying no administration should be able to choose the journalists who scrutinise it.

The US Treasury said nearly 300 journalists from about a dozen countries were expected to cover the meetings.

Bessent is also due to hold bilateral discussions with counterparts on Iran. He has already met Siluanov on the sidelines of the gathering.

(With inputs from AFP)