MIAMI — The United States is extending a formal invitation to Russian President Vladimir Putin for the upcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit in Miami, marking a significant thaw in international pressure on Moscow. President Donald Trump, however, expressed skepticism that his Russian counterpart will actually make the trip.
Speaking to reporters after the announcement, Trump said he was unaware of the specific invitation details at first but voiced support for the move. “If he comes, it could be very useful,” Trump stated, while adding bluntly, “I don’t know if he’s going to come. Honestly, I doubt it.”
The invitation represents a notable softening of the West’s stance toward Putin, who has largely been isolated by many Western nations since Russia’s military operation in Ukraine began in 2022. Trump has taken a different approach, consistently pushing for restored dialogue with Moscow.
During his remarks, Trump once again criticized former President Barack Obama for expelling Russia from the G8 following the 2014 Ukraine crisis. “Putin was very insulted by that, and rightfully so,” Trump said.
This latest development fits into Trump’s broader effort to rebuild relations with Russia and bring an end to the Ukraine conflict. He previously hosted Putin in Alaska in August 2025 — the first time the Russian leader had visited the West since the war started — and has repeatedly promised to resolve the fighting quickly.
The Kremlin has not yet confirmed whether Putin will attend the December 14-15 summit in Miami. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said no decision has been made, while Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin confirmed that Moscow received a high-level invitation.
Putin has not attended a G20 summit since 2019, first due to the COVID-19 pandemic and later because of the Ukraine war. An International Criminal Court arrest warrant issued in 2023 over alleged war crimes has further complicated his travel to countries that recognize the ICC. The United States, however, is not a member of the court — something Trump has strongly opposed.
With the U.S. hosting this year’s G20, Trump has promised a major event in his adopted home state of Florida. Whether Putin ultimately decides to attend could prove to be one of the most closely watched diplomatic moments of the year.