Surprise Russian minister at US G20 draws EU warning against normalizing Moscow ties

The Russian finance minister’s unexpected appearance at the US-hosted G20 Finance meeting triggered an immediate rebuke from the European Union.

EU Economy Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis said in Asheville, North Carolina, that “this is not the time to normalize Russia or Russia’s presence at these kinds of meetings.” He connected his objection to the war in Ukraine, saying he found it difficult to discuss sensitive issues with representatives of regimes that wage war and kill civilians daily.

Anton Siluanov joined the delegates around the meeting’s large oval table and held a private discussion with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the summit’s host. The encounter came as President Donald Trump’s administration has pursued closer relations with Moscow, a policy that has frustrated European governments supporting Kyiv.

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This is not the time to normalize Russia or Russia’s presence at these kinds of meetings.

The EU managed to keep Siluanov out of the traditional G20 family photograph. Organizers took the picture discreetly while journalists were kept away.

Dombrovskis also said he had pressed fellow finance ministers to increase financial assistance to Ukraine. His comments came before discussions resumed for the final day of the meeting, placing the Russian minister’s presence alongside the bloc’s effort to maintain pressure and support for Kyiv.

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I have personally always found it difficult to discuss sensitive issues with representatives of regimes that wage war and kill civilians every day.