ASHEVILLE, North Carolina — The typical “family photo” of finance ministers at a G20 meeting often features a somber group, mostly dressed in gray. This year’s picture stirred interest due to the absence of Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov. Sanctioned by the United States in April 2022, Siluanov was omitted after objections from some of Ukraine’s European allies. It was his first Group of 20 summit on U.S. soil since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine four years ago.

Siluanov, serving since 2011, is known as one of President Vladimir Putin’s trusted cabinet members. His presence at the meeting in Asheville, North Carolina prompted cool responses despite his participation in the summit and a meeting with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Bessent expressed the U.S. economic outcast policy, especially concerning nations trading with Iran.

Bessent remarked, “We have implemented our economic outcast policy, and we expect everyone to come along with us.”

During their discussions, Bessent emphasized that the U.S. will not lift economic sanctions against Russia until the conflict with Ukraine ceases. The Russian Finance Ministry acknowledged this meeting focused on Russian-American cooperation, but did not comment on Siluanov’s exclusion from the “family photo.”

German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil voiced concerns, deeming the reception of the Russian minister in the U.S. troubling. Similarly, European Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis stressed it was not the time to normalize relations with Russia due to its ongoing aggressive war.

Polish Finance Minister Andrzej Domanski also expressed his dissatisfaction with Russia’s presence at the event. However, he accepted the U.S.’s right to invite Russia as a G20 member. The U.S. defended the inclusion, highlighting the dialogue’s importance even during conflict. President Donald Trump reflected on the U.S. approach to establish amiable relations with all nations.

Siluanov’s attendance at G20 meetings elsewhere post-invasion was noted, yet his visit to the U.S. marked a shift following Russia’s political and economic isolation by Western nations. This isolation aimed to press Russia into discussing an end to the Ukraine conflict. In 2022, officials departed a G20 meeting during Siluanov’s video remarks, in protest. Although Russia was suspended from the G8 following its 2014 annexation of Crimea, it maintains G20 membership.

Further commentary from Germany, Poland, and other European allies within the G20, such as Italy, France, and the UK, is anticipated as they evaluate Russia’s participation.