14 Senators Urge Trump to Withdraw Putin’s G20 Invitation

Fourteen U.S. senators from both parties have urged President Donald Trump to withdraw his invitation to Russian President Vladimir Putin for the December Group of 20 summit in Miami and to bar sanctioned Russian officials from U.S.-hosted G20 meetings. The request, made in a letter dated September 24, challenges the administration’s decision to invite Putin as Russia’s war against Ukraine continues. Putin’s attendance has not been confirmed, and no meeting with Trump has been agreed. The senators argued that hosting Putin at the summit could legitimize the Russian government and give it routine diplomatic treatment while the war continues. They also said keeping him isolated could increase Russia’s incentive to agree to a ceasefire. Those points are the lawmakers’ rationale for their request, not established outcomes of the invitation. The letter was led by Republican Roger Wicker and Democrat Jeanne Shaheen. Its 14 signatories were evenly divided between the parties and included senior lawmakers from the Senate committees on armed services and foreign relations.