European financial leaders staged a diplomatic revolt on Monday after the Trump administration blindsided allies by inviting sanctioned Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov to attend a U.S.-hosted G20 finance meeting in person, reports Kyiv Post.

The meeting in Asheville, North Carolina, marks the first time Russia’s top financial official has attended a G20 gathering in person since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The surprise invitation by the U.S., which currently holds the rotating G20 presidency, triggered immediate backlash from European delegates who have spent years trying to maintain Russia’s global economic isolation.

AFP: US draws European pushback with Russia G-20 finance invite

Politico: Trump welcomes Russia back to the G20. Europe isn’t having it.

Reuters: Bessent told Russian minister no economic relief until Ukraine war ends, source says