Former President Donald Trump defended the decision to host Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov at the G20 summit during his administration, stating that his ability to "get along with everybody" was a key to his success. His remarks came as European leaders voiced disapproval over Russia's inclusion.
Germany's Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil told reporters he "would have wished that the Russian Finance Minister is not received here at the G20 in the USA as a normal guest." Klingbeil emphasized that the ongoing Russian attacks meant a return to "normality" was inappropriate and stated he had made his European colleagues aware that he would not participate in a group photograph alongside Russia's finance minister.
Ultimately, Siluanov was not included in the final "family photo" of ministers and senior officials. Polish Finance Minister Andrzej Domanski also expressed his unhappiness with Russia's representation, though he acknowledged the G20 host nation's prerogative to invite guests. The presence of Siluanov at the summit, a move initiated under the Trump administration, drew criticism from some European officials who felt it was incongruous with Russia's actions in Ukraine.