U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Sept. 23 that President Trump will invite Russian President Vladimir Putin to the G20 summit in Miami in December. The invitation marks a significant shift in Russia's international standing, as Putin has not attended a G20 summit since 2019.
Rubio, speaking on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, said the invitation is an opportunity for Putin to engage with global leaders. The summit, set to take place at Trump's golf club, is expected to draw attention from international observers, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has signaled readiness to meet with Putin if he attends.
The invitation has raised concerns among European leaders who have accused Russia of launching hybrid attacks to disrupt logistics and spread political uncertainty. Despite the potential for dialogue, Russia remains a G20 member, and the summit could influence global economic and political dynamics.
Zelensky has indicated he is prepared to attend the summit and meet with Putin, emphasizing the need for direct communication to resolve the conflict. However, the Kremlin has not yet responded to the invitation, and concerns about the war's potential spread remain unresolved.