Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov at the G20 Finance Ministers Meeting in Asheville, North Carolina on August 31, 2026.
Provided by: U.S. Department of the Treasury
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reportedly told Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov that sanctions relief or a new deal with Moscow would be impossible as long as the war in Ukraine continues.
The two officials met on the sidelines of the Group of 20 financial leaders meeting in Asheville, North Carolina.
Mr. Bessent’s remarks were the first time Mr. Siluanov attended the summit in person since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which drew opposition from other European leaders. European governments plan to expand sanctions to further strain Moscow’s economy and finances.
The rare meeting underscored Washington’s willingness to reopen high-level diplomatic channels with Russia, even as its European allies intend to keep the country isolated for the duration of the war.
When the Russian minister brought up other areas of mutual interest, Bessent told Siluanov that “nothing is possible until the war is over,” Reuters reported.
According to Axios, the meeting focused on President Donald Trump’s peace plan for Ukraine and economic growth, but Russia’s Ministry of Finance said the discussion was aimed at financial cooperation between the two countries within the G20 framework.
Russia’s sudden return to the table disappointed European officials, who ultimately objected to appearing with Siluanov in the traditional G20 photo, which was taken without the Russian minister.
