The US has extended an invitation to President Vladimir Putin for the upcoming G20 summit in Miami, Florida, scheduled for 14-15/12. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin confirmed that Russia had received an invitation to participate at the highest level.

Despite the invitation, US President Donald Trump expressed skepticism about Putin's attendance. When asked by a reporter on 23/4, Trump appeared unaware of the formal invitation, remarking, "I don't know if he's coming. Frankly, I doubt he will."

However, President Trump supports the invitation, believing Putin's presence "would be very useful." He also criticized former President Barack Obama for excluding Russia from the G8 in 2014, adding that Putin "was very offended by this. He felt it was reasonable." Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Putin has not yet decided whether to attend the Miami summit. The Russian president has not attended a G20 summit since 2019.

President Vladimir Putin speaking at an event in Moskva on 21/4. *Photo: AFP*

The US is this year's G20 host, and President Trump has pledged to organize an impressive summit. Finance Minister Scott Bessent outlined the US priorities for its presidency: promoting economic growth, modernizing financial management systems, enhancing debt transparency, simplifying debt restructuring, developing digital assets, combating payment fraud, and fostering financial literacy.

Since returning to the White House last year, President Trump has sought to restore relations with Russia to end the conflict in Ukraine. He previously hosted President Putin in Alaska in 8/2025, marking the Russian leader's first visit to a Western nation since the conflict erupted in 2/2022.

Huyen Le (According to AFP, TASS)