Bilateral talks in Asheville

United States Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent held a bilateral meeting with Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov during the Group of 20 finance ministers gathering in Asheville, North Carolina. The meeting represents the first in-person attendance by Siluanov at a G20 finance summit since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. According to reports cited by Reuters and Axios, discussions covered economic growth, President Donald Trump's peace plan for Ukraine, and US efforts to cut external assistance to Iran. When Siluanov attempted to propose bilateral economic cooperation between Washington and Moscow, Bessent interrupted him, stating that no economic ties or sanctions relief will occur until Russia ends its war against Ukraine. The Russian Ministry of Finance released an official statement confirming the meeting, though it limited its description to general financial cooperation within the G20 framework.

European boycott of the family photo

Siluanov's presence in Asheville drew immediate pushback from European delegates, who objected to discussing sensitive economic matters alongside an aggressor state. European representatives organized a diplomatic boycott, successfully forcing the exclusion of the Russian delegation from the official G20 family photograph. European Union Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis addressed the controversy during a press briefing at the start of the summit's second day.

“We do not consider that now or in the foreseeable future is the time for normalising Russia.”

German Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil described the invitation as an effort to normalize ties with Moscow, adding that he saw no justification for doing so. Polish Finance Minister Andrzej Domański echoed the European stance during bilateral consultations with partner delegations.

“We do not trust Russia. They constantly lie and you have to be really very careful when talking to them.”

Bessent defends diplomatic engagement

Bessent addressed the European backlash during a press conference in Asheville, arguing that direct communication remains essential to resolving the war in Ukraine. He explained that President Donald Trump favours speaking with all international actors to reach negotiated outcomes.

“I know some Europeans had a bitter taste in their mouth from this, but I think it is very important to engage. Otherwise, if both fighters find themselves in a corner, there will never be a solution to this horrible conflict.”

During his remarks, Bessent claimed that Siluanov was not subject to sanctions, contrary to official records showing the Russian minister has been on the US sanctions list since 2022, as well as those of Canada and Australia. Bessent also revealed that he conducted quiet discussions with Chinese and Russian officials aimed at restricting support for Iran.

Financial aid and sanctions pressure

European finance ministers maintained that economic pressure on Moscow must continue without interruption. Dombrovskis pointed to the European Union's ongoing support package of 90 billion euros for this year and next year, which covers approximately two-thirds of Kyiv's financial needs. He called on Group of Seven and international partners to expand their contributions, noting that Ukrainian officials at G7 sideline meetings requested Patriot air defence ammunition following missile strikes on civilian areas in Kyiv. Domański noted that sanctions are compounding pressure on Russia's economy, citing a recent Russian strike on Kyiv that killed more than 30 people as evidence of ongoing aggression. He also held sideline talks on Poland's G20 role with counterparts from Japan, India, South Korea, Singapore, the African Union, the International Monetary Fund, and British representative John Healey.