Russia returns to G20 finance talks as US move angers European allies
Moscow’s participation in Bangkok exposes divisions over the Ukraine war, sanctions and Washington’s push to restore engagement with Russia.
Highlights:
- Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov attends G20 talks in person for the second time since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine
- Germany's Lars Klingbeil rejects treating Russia as a normal G20 member
- US moves to temporarily ease sanctions on Russian diesel imports draw criticism from Ukraine and European allies
- Finance chiefs end their Bangkok meeting without a joint communique amid divisions over global conflicts and trade
Russia returned to the Group of 20's in-person finance talks in Bangkok on Thursday (15 October) at the invitation of the United States, exposing tensions between Washington and its European allies over how far Moscow should be brought back into international forums, reports CNBC.
Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov and Bank of Russia Deputy Governor Elizaveta Danilova were listed as Moscow's delegates at the meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors held on the sidelines of the IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings in Thailand, according to a seating plan seen by CNBC. A person familiar with the matter confirmed Siluanov attended.
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This was Siluanov's second in-person appearance at a G20 finance meeting since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Russian delegates were seated between representatives from South Korea and the United Arab Emirates, according to the seating plan.
The United States, which holds the G20 presidency this year, welcomed Russia's finance minister back to the talks after years of isolation over the war. The move has raised questions about Washington's efforts to improve relations with Moscow and the potential impact on ties with European partners.
German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil, who also attended the Bangkok meeting, has opposed US efforts to bring Russia back onto the international stage.
After a G20 finance meeting in Asheville, North Carolina, in August, Klingbeil told Siluanov that Moscow must end the war. He also declined to pose for a group photograph with the Russian minister. The traditional photograph was eventually taken without the Russian delegation after European officials protested.
Following Thursday's meeting, Klingbeil reportedly reiterated his opposition to treating Russia as a normal member of the group.
"There will be no pretending that Russia is now returning as a normal member of the G20 and simply taking its seat at the table again — not with me, and not with the other Europeans," he said.
Washington's engagement with Moscow comes as the Trump administration has introduced a deal to temporarily lift sanctions on Russian diesel imports until April.
The move has drawn criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European allies.
Valdis Dombrovskis, speaking to CNBC on Wednesday, opposed easing pressure on Moscow, saying, "Now it's not a time to ease sanctions on Russia."
The war in Ukraine also featured in comments by Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers after Thursday's meeting.
In a statement, Chalmers said Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on commercial vessels "must end". He added that the effects of those disruptions "are exacerbated by Russia's unprovoked and unjustifiable war in Ukraine".
Australia called on Russia to end the war and respect Ukraine's sovereignty, he said.
The finance ministers and central bank governors concluded their Bangkok meeting without issuing a joint communique, reflecting persistent divisions among members over the Middle East conflict, trade imbalances and Russia's war against Ukraine.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who would normally chair the talks, skipped the meeting to remain in Washington.
The previous G20 finance meeting in Asheville also ended without a joint communique after China objected to language on several issues, including efforts to address excessive global trade surpluses. The United States instead issued a chair's statement supported by every member present except China, with Bessent describing Beijing as "the dissenter".
Thursday's meeting had been expected to help improve coordination on global challenges, including energy disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict and concerns over record public debt in advanced economies.
The next G20 summit is scheduled to take place in Miami in December, when leaders are expected to convene.
