A group of 14 U.S. senators has called on President Trump to withdraw an invitation for Vladimir Putin to attend the upcoming G20 summit in Miami.
Key facts
- •The bipartisan group of 14 senators includes members from both the Democratic and Republican parties.
- •Signatories include Mitch McConnell, John Cornyn, Sheldon Whitehouse, Michael Bennet, Chris Coons, Richard Blumenthal, Jerry Moran, Tim Kaine, Thom Tillis, John Curtis, Ruben Gallego, and Alan Armstrong.
- •The senators argue that Putin should be isolated to pressure him into serious peace negotiations.
- •The Kremlin has stated it is grateful for the invitation but has not decided on Putin's travel plans.
- •The letter also cites concerns regarding Russia's military relationship with Iran.
A bipartisan group of 14 U.S. senators has formally urged President Donald Trump to rescind an invitation extended to Russian President Vladimir Putin for the G20 summit scheduled in Miami this December. The lawmakers argue that allowing Putin to participate in the U.S.-hosted event would legitimize a government responsible for ongoing attacks against Ukrainian civilians.
Senators Cite War and Security Concerns
The letter, led by Senators Roger Wicker and Jeanne Shaheen, asserts that Putin bears sole responsibility for the war in Ukraine. The senators contend that Putin will lack the incentive to pursue a ceasefire unless he remains isolated from the international community. Beyond the war in Ukraine, the lawmakers expressed alarm over reports of Russian assistance to Iran in targeting American service members in the Middle East, as well as an alleged increase in Russian hybrid warfare activities across Europe.
Administration Policy on Russian Participation
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed on September 23 that the administration had invited Putin to the summit, though the Kremlin has not yet confirmed his attendance. This follows a previous move in late August when the Trump administration invited Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov to a G20 finance meeting in North Carolina, a decision that drew protests from European delegations. The senators are now calling for the administration to bar sanctioned Russian officials from all upcoming G20 events.
Timeline
- Late AugustThe Trump administration invited Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov to a G20 finance meeting in North Carolina.
- September 23Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that the U.S. had invited Vladimir Putin to the G20 summit in Miami.
- DecemberThe G20 summit is scheduled to take place in Miami.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Meduza (English), Anadolu Agency.
