Russian Finance Minister to Attend G20 Energy Meeting in Houston

The White House announced on Friday that a Russian official will participate in a dedicated G20 energy meeting scheduled for next week in Houston, United States, according to Reuters.

First In-Person Russian G20 Participation Since 2022 War

Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov attended the G20 finance ministers’ meeting in person in Asheville, North Carolina, on August 31 — the first physical appearance by a Russian official at a G20 forum since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022. Representatives from the Central Bank of Russia also attended that session.

U.S. Welcomes Return, Europe Objects

Last month, the United States welcomed Siluanov’s return to a G20 meeting in North Carolina. In contrast, European officials have rejected the “normalization” of Russia’s participation in G20 gatherings.

Siluanov-Bisent Talks on Financial Cooperation

On the margins of the Asheville meeting, Siluanov held discussions with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent concerning financial cooperation and the bilateral relationship between Russia and the United States within the G20 framework.

Unclear Identity of Upcoming Russian Delegate

The White House did not specify which Russian official will attend the upcoming energy-focused G20 meeting in Houston.