Trump says he would welcome Putin at Miami G20, but visit remains uncertain
In short
Donald Trump said he would welcome Vladimir Putin at the G20 summit in Miami but did not know whether the Russian president would attend. The summit is scheduled for December 14–15.
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US President Donald Trump said on October 16 that he would welcome Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G20 summit in Miami, while acknowledging that he did not know whether Putin would attend. Speaking to journalists at the White House, Trump said he would be glad to see the Russian leader, RIA Novosti reported. Interfax also reported that Trump wanted to see Putin at the gathering but did not know whether the visit would take place. The summit of G20 leaders is scheduled for December 14–15 in Miami. [ 2 , 4 , 5 ]
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on September 23 that Washington had invited Putin to take part, according to Vedomosti. Rubio said the event could give the Russian president an opportunity for contacts with the US president as well as other heads of state and government. RIA Novosti also reported Rubio's statement that Washington had invited Putin to the G20 summit in the United States. [ 2 , 5 ]
Russia has expressed appreciation for the invitation, but the reports did not announce a decision on Putin's attendance. Vedomosti reported that Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on September 23 that Moscow was grateful and would take further steps after receiving an official invitation. RIA Novosti reported Peskov as saying the invitation would be considered. On October 3, Russia's G20 sherpa, Denis Agafonov, said participation would depend on the overall geopolitical context and that the decision would be announced closer to the meeting, according to Vedomosti. [ 2 , 5 ]
Why it matters
Washington has invited Putin to the summit, according to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Russia has said its decision on Putin's participation will depend on the broader geopolitical context.
Key facts
- Trump said he did not know whether Putin would attend, but would be glad to see him. [ 2 , 4 , 5 ]
- The G20 summit is scheduled for December 14–15 in Miami. [ 4 , 5 ]
- Rubio said Washington had invited Putin to the summit. [ 2 , 5 ]
- Russia's G20 sherpa said the decision would depend on the geopolitical context. [ 5 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- Whether Putin will attend the summit. Trump said he did not know; Vedomosti reported that Russia would announce its decision closer to the meeting.