WASHINGTON, — April 24, 2026 : U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that no formal invitation has yet been sent to Russian President Vladimir Putin for the upcoming Group of 20 (G20) leaders’ summit scheduled for December 14–15, 2026, in Miami, clarifying conflicting reports about Washington’s position.
The summit will be hosted at the Trump National Doral Miami, as the United States holds the G20 presidency for 2026 following South Africa.
Conflicting Reports Prompt Clarification
The clarification follows a report published by The Washington Post on April 23, 2026, which cited unnamed administration officials as saying that the United States intended to invite Putin to the Miami summit.
According to a senior U.S. official quoted in the report, no formal invitations have been issued so far. However, the official emphasized that Russia remains a full member of the Group of Twenty and is therefore expected to be invited to both ministerial-level meetings and the leaders’ summit as part of standard protocol.
Trump’s Remarks at the White House
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump directly addressed the reports, stating that no official invitation has been sent.
“No, but if he came, it would probably be very useful,” Trump said, adding that he remains uncertain about Putin’s attendance and “doubts that he will come.”
The president reiterated his broader diplomatic approach, noting that he believes in maintaining dialogue with all global leaders. He also referenced Russia’s removal from the Group of Eight in 2014 following the annexation of Crimea, suggesting the move had negatively affected relations.
Russian Response Remains Non-Committal
Responses from Moscow have indicated interest in the forum but no firm decision on participation.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on April 24 that Putin may attend the summit, send another representative, or choose not to participate, describing the G20 as an important platform amid ongoing global challenges.
Earlier the same day, Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin told RIA Novosti that Russia had received an invitation “at the highest level,” while noting that developments ahead of December remain uncertain.
Background on Russia’s Participation
If Putin attends the Miami summit, it would mark his first in-person appearance at a G20 leaders’ meeting since 2019. His absence from recent summits has been linked initially to the COVID-19 pandemic and later to geopolitical tensions following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
An arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court has also complicated his ability to travel internationally.
Summit Outlook
The White House has not released additional details regarding the timing of formal invitations or potential bilateral meetings during the summit. The U.S. State Department has only confirmed that Russia retains its standing as a G20 member and would be included in summit-related processes.
The December 2026 gathering in Miami is expected to bring together leaders of major economies to address global economic conditions and ongoing geopolitical challenges, with participation details still evolving.
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