Asheville, United States, August 31, 2026: Meeting participants sit down during the first working session of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting.
Bernd von Utrzenka | Picture Alliance | Getty Images
Hello, this is Leonie Kidd from London.
The G20 meeting in Asheville, North Carolina, had a number of topics on the agenda, including the war with Iran, turmoil in the bond market, and renewed trade tensions.
What did not seem clear was the attendance of Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, a move that disappointed European officials.
Read more.
What you need to know today
Russia’s Siluanov’s surprise appearance at the G20 meeting shocked European society.
It was his first appearance at the summit in person since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and appeared to dazzle European participants. Officials objected to him appearing in the traditional G20 family photo with Russia, but it was ultimately taken without Siluanov’s presence.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reportedly met with Siluanov on the sidelines of the event and told Russian officials that sanctions relief or a new deal with Moscow would be impossible as long as the war in Ukraine continues.
Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the “endless war” in Ukraine as the two leaders met at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Kyrgyzstan on Monday.
go straight back to the strike
Tensions with Iran also escalated over the weekend.
US President Donald Trump said in an interview with Fox News on Monday that “there will be retaliation” for Iran’s attacks on US military bases in the region and threatened to attack Iran “sternly”.
Meanwhile, another tanker was hit while passing through the Strait of Hormuz on Monday.
venezuela oil
The White House announced that Venezuela has granted US-backed North American Blue Energy Partners a 100-year concession in 17 of the country’s oil fields. President Trump said the deal would give the United States majority control of 20% of the reserves.
fast fashion fall
Shares in fast fashion giant Shine are under pressure on their first day of trading in Hong Kong.
The IPO values Shayne at approximately $26.5 billion, but the private market valuation in 2022 is expected to be $100 billion.
The Singapore-based retail group plans to use the IPO proceeds to fund technology and global expansion.
— Leonie Kidd
And finally…
Anthony Scaramucci on failure, ego, and 11 days in the White House
Anthony Scaramucci’s career has included high-profile successes and setbacks.
In this episode of “Executive Decisions,” the SkyBridge Capital founder reflects on why he left Goldman Sachs to start his own business, how anxiety led him to the wrong job early in his career, and how pride and ego influenced his decision to join the Trump administration.
After being fired from the White House after just 11 days, Scaramucci was advised to disappear from public life. Instead, he chose to face his critics. The decision, he says, was part of a broader consideration of his mistakes, his relationships and himself.
— Steve Sedgwick
