US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Wednesday that President Donald Trump has extended an invitation to Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend the G20 summit in Miami, scheduled for December. The move comes as Washington seeks to secure a deal to end Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Rubio emphasized that the invitation is an opportunity for Putin to engage not only with Trump but also with other world leaders.
The invitation was announced shortly after Rubio's meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at a hotel in New York, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Their meeting took place ahead of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's scheduled address to the United Nations. During his address, Zelensky is expected to appeal for better air defenses against the barrage of Russian drones and missiles.
However, Lavrov told the UN Security Council that Moscow would not halt its war against Ukraine, which has been ongoing for over four years. He accused Europe of wanting to use a halt to the fighting to "pump the Kyiv regime with weapons." Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga responded to Lavrov's comments, stating that they reflected the Russian government's stance on the conflict.
Rubio encouraged Moscow and Kyiv to reach an energy ceasefire, which could create a platform for a broader agreement. He noted that both sides have expressed interest in a limited ceasefire involving energy. Ukrainian President Zelensky has stated that Ukraine is ready to halt strikes on Russian energy sites if Moscow agrees to do likewise.
The development comes after Trump called on Zelensky to stop hitting diesel refineries. Following a meeting with Trump on Tuesday, Zelensky said that Washington and Kyiv want the war with Russia to end "before winter." The two leaders have spoken by telephone on various occasions, but their last in-person meeting was in 2025.
Rubio also commented on the conflict in the Middle East, warning that the West Bank becoming a new crisis would be detrimental to Israel and the wider region. He emphasized that an additional crisis or friction point would be undesirable. The situation in the region remains a concern for international leaders.
The G20 summit in Miami presents an opportunity for world leaders to engage with each other on pressing global issues. Rubio expressed hope that Putin will accept the invitation, allowing for further discussions on the conflict in Ukraine and other matters. The international community continues to seek a resolution to the ongoing conflict.
Key points
- Trump invites Putin to G20 summit in Miami
- US seeks to secure a deal to end Russia's invasion of Ukraine
- Moscow and Kyiv discuss potential energy ceasefire
