US Invites Putin to G20 Summit in Miami in December, Rubio Says

The United States has invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend the G20 summit scheduled for December in Miami, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, describing it as an opportunity for Putin to engage directly with the American president as well as other world leaders.

Rubio's comments frame the invitation as part of broader diplomatic engagement, though it comes against the backdrop of continued Western sanctions on Russia and ongoing tensions over the war in Ukraine, now well into its fourth year.

Diplomatic implications

An in-person appearance by Putin at a major multilateral summit hosted in the United States would mark a significant diplomatic moment, given the strained relations between Washington and Moscow since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. It remains unclear whether Putin will accept the invitation or what conditions, if any, might affect his attendance.

The G20 brings together the world's major economies for discussions on global economic and financial issues, though summits in recent years have frequently been dominated by geopolitical tensions, including the war in Ukraine and broader US-Russia and US-China relations.

Rubio's remarks did not detail whether the invitation was coordinated with other G20 members or how it might affect discussions on Ukraine-related sanctions or support during the summit. Russia has not yet publicly confirmed whether Putin intends to attend.

The Miami summit in December is expected to draw significant international attention given the range of unresolved geopolitical issues facing G20 members.