The United States is set to invite Russian President Vladimir Putin to a major G20 summit scheduled to take place in Miami this December, according to a senior US official. The move signals a potential shift in global diplomatic dynamics amid ongoing tensions over the war in Ukraine.
President Donald Trump, however, expressed skepticism about whether Putin would attend. Speaking to reporters, Trump said he doubted the Russian leader would accept the invitation but added that his presence could be “very helpful” if he did.
The invitation would mark a notable easing of Western isolation against Putin, who has faced significant diplomatic backlash since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Despite this, Trump has taken a different approach, seeking to rebuild ties with Moscow since returning to office.
Trump also renewed criticism of former US president Barack Obama for supporting Russia’s removal from the G8 following the 2014 annexation of Crimea. He suggested that decision had deeply offended Putin.
The Kremlin has not confirmed whether Putin will attend the summit. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said no decision has been made, while Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin indicated that an invitation had been extended at the highest level.
Putin’s global travel has been limited in recent years, especially after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against him in 2023 over alleged war crimes in Ukraine. The US is not a member of the ICC and has historically opposed its authority.
Trump, who previously promised to end the Ukraine conflict quickly, has yet to achieve a breakthrough despite multiple rounds of talks between Moscow and Kyiv. He has also drawn criticism for blaming Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for resisting territorial concessions.
The upcoming summit, scheduled for mid December, is expected to test whether renewed diplomatic engagement can help ease one of the world’s most enduring conflicts.
Leave a comment