Russia has been invited to the G20 summit, with Donald Trump stating a meeting with Vladimir Putin would be “very helpful,” despite an ICC warrant for his arrest.
Russia Invited to G20 Summit
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin stated that Russia received an invitation to the G20 summit “at the highest level.” Moscow will confirm who will represent them at a later time.
Trump, speaking to the press in the Oval Office, said he was unaware of the invitation but remains open to talks with anyone. He added that if Putin were to attend, it would “be very helpful,” but doubted it would happen, noting the International Criminal Court’s pursuit of the Russian leader.
US Position on Putin’s Attendance
A senior US administration official told media, including PAP, that no official invitations have been sent yet, but Russia is a G20 member and will be invited to ministerial meetings and the leaders’ summit.
Despite Russia’s G20 membership, Putin has not attended the annual forum since the 2019 Osaka summit. Trump stated in September 2025 that he “very much” wanted to host both Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the event.
Poland to Replace South Africa at G20
Poland will participate in the G20 summit in the US, effectively replacing South Africa.
The US holds the G20 presidency this year, and Donald Trump will host the leaders’ summit on December 14-15, 2026, at Trump National Doral Miami in Florida. President Karol Nawrocki was invited to the summit by the US President during a visit to Washington in early September.
Poland’s Role and US Decision Regarding South Africa
Poland is participating in G20 meetings this year, including the April meetings of finance ministers and central bank governors, and the December leaders’ summit, de facto replacing South Africa, despite South Africa remaining a formal member of the group.
This decision was made by the US, which did not invite South Africa to the meetings due to a dispute over the fate of white farmers in the country and accusations of alleged genocide. Polish ministers previously attended G20 meetings as specially invited guests.