The Wall Street Journal's editorial board has sharply criticized Donald Trump's invitation to Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend the G-20 summit at Trump National Doral in Miami. The board described the move as "morally offensive," particularly as Western intelligence agencies warn of Russia's escalating hybrid warfare against NATO countries and its ongoing war in Ukraine.
In its assessment, the newspaper argued that Putin's attendance would serve as a "photo-op to show Russians that he's no longer a pariah on the world stage" and a "global rehabilitation gift." The board also expressed concern that the invitation might embolden Putin to believe he could evade consequences for actions like a "targeted attack on NATO."
The editorial also dismissed the idea that bringing Putin back into global dialogues would lead to an end to the conflict in Ukraine. The board recalled Trump's 2025 summit with Putin in Alaska, suggesting that Trump appeared "like a chump" afterwards as the conflict persisted.
Trump's invitation has drawn criticism from members of his own party, with Republican senators voicing "serious concern" in a letter to the president. However, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has suggested that Putin's presence at the G-20 could offer an opportunity to initiate "serious negotiations" to resolve the conflict in Ukraine.