US Russia Invite Irks Germany and Europe at G20, as Press Access Is Restricted

The first Russian finance minister invited to a G20 meeting in person since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine appeared in Asheville, North Carolina, and immediately became the focus of the gathering.

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We like getting along with everybody.

Anton Siluanov attended the two-day meeting of finance ministers and central bank heads and held a bilateral discussion with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. President Donald Trump defended the invitation, saying, "We like getting along with everybody."

The Russian presence angered European delegates. German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil said it sent "a troubling signal" and said European officials would not stand with Siluanov for the traditional family photograph. Polish Finance Minister Andrzej Domanski acknowledged the host’s right to invite guests but said he did not trust Moscow. "We do not trust Russia. They lie constantly and you need to be really, really cautious while discussing with them," he said.

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Receiving the Russian finance minister here sends a troubling signal.

The photograph was eventually taken without Siluanov and away from the media. The meeting was also overshadowed by disagreements over access for journalists. Bloomberg News said its team could not enter, while The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times said some reporters who normally cover such events were denied credentials.

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We do not trust Russia. They lie constantly and you need to be really, really cautious while discussing with them.

Klingbeil criticized the restrictions, saying, "I consider it unacceptable for journalists or entire editorial teams to be excluded." Alongside the dispute over Russia, the talks addressed the economic effects of the war with Iran and a trade dispute between the United States and Canada. Bessent was also seeking support for a tougher US sanctions regime against Iran.

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I consider it unacceptable for journalists or entire editorial teams to be excluded.