G20 finance talks end in North Carolina amid dispute over Russia's presence

G20 finance leaders have ended a two-day meeting in Asheville, North Carolina, with most members backing the chair's statement despite disagreement over Russia's attendance. The United States said the presence of Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov did not affect the talks, while European allies voiced frustration at the optics of welcoming him at a US-hosted gathering. The meeting also took place against the backdrop of the war in the Middle East and US President Donald Trump's tariffs.

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US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the fact that nearly all participants agreed to the chair's statement showed there had been no impact from Russia's attendance. He said some Europeans had a "sour taste" about the issue, but argued that engagement remained important. Bessent also noted that Siluanov was unsanctioned.

An EU spokesperson said representatives had been given only short notice of Siluanov's attendance. The chair's statement called for "free, safe, and predictable navigation through the Strait of Hormuz," although China dissented from that section. The waterway has been largely blocked by Iran since the war began in late February after US-Israeli strikes on Iran, according to the meeting summary.

A traditional family photo of G20 participants was taken on Monday without Siluanov after European officials protested. At a separate G20 innovation meeting in Chapel Hill, participants were split into two group photos so European leaders could be separated from Russia's delegation. The dispute underlines the continuing strain over how major economies should handle Russia's participation in multilateral forums while the war in Ukraine continues.

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EU economy chief Valdis Dombrovskis said it was not the time to normalise Russia's presence at such events, arguing that it meant discussing sensitive economic issues with representatives of a government waging an aggressive war. Canadian Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said Siluanov's appearance had created discomfort, but did not say it changed the substance of the talks. The meeting also reflected wider geopolitical pressures on the G20 agenda, including the Middle East conflict and concerns over maritime security in a key global shipping route.

The United States, which holds the rotating G20 presidency, has also been seeking support from partners on Iran sanctions this week. Germany separately accused Russia yesterday of a hybrid attack involving a drone at a strategic airport last month, adding to the broader diplomatic tensions surrounding the talks. What remains unclear is whether the disagreement over Russia's attendance will affect future G20 meetings or the tone of upcoming multilateral gatherings.

The immediate outcome in Asheville suggests members were still able to agree on a joint statement, but not without visible political friction. Attention will now turn to whether the same divisions reappear as the G20 agenda moves on to sanctions, trade and regional security issues.

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