Trump Softens Stance on Russia, Invites Putin to G20 Summit

US President admits “We made a mistake by removing Russia from G8”, Russian President accepts invitation, prospects of reconciliation

Washington (Special Correspondent) — Russian President Vladimir Putin may attend the G20 Summit scheduled in Miami, USA this December. US President Donald Trump has stated that Putin’s presence would be “extremely beneficial” and that removing Russia from the G8 was a mistake.
A senior US official confirmed on Friday that America has invited Russia to the annual G20 Summit, being hosted by Washington in Miami this year, adding that Moscow has accepted the invitation.
Background: Putin’s Absence
Putin has not attended G20 summits since 2019 — first due to the COVID-19 pandemic, then following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which created the worst crisis in Moscow-West relations since the height of the Cold War.
Kremlin’s Cautious Response
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Putin may attend as a G20 member, may not attend, or another Russian representative may go instead. The Washington Post had earlier reported that Trump intended to invite Putin, though Trump later told reporters he was unaware of the invitation or whether Putin would attend.
A senior US administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that no formal invitations have been issued yet, but noted that Russia is a G20 member and will be invited to both ministerial meetings and the leaders’ summit.