ASHEVILLE, North Carolina — Traditionally the “family photo” of finance ministers at a G20 meeting is a dull, grimacing group clad mostly in gray.But this year’s picture may be much more interesting for some because of whom it omits.
Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov — who has been sanctioned by the United States in April 2022 — was left out after complaints from some of Ukraine’s European allies as he attended his first Group of 20 summit on U.S.soil since President Vladimir Putin invaded his neighbor four years ago, NBC News has learned.
Having served in the role since 2011, Siluanov is widely considered to be one of Putin’s most trusted Cabinet members.But he was given the cold shoulder by some of those in attendance at the event in Asheville, North Carolina, although he addressed the summit and met with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Bessent told NBC News on Tuesday that he brought up “with everyone that we have implemented our economic outcast policy, and that we expect everyone to come along with us.” He was referring to sanctions he introduced last week targeting countries and international entities facilitating trade with Iran.Asked about Siluanov’s response, Bessent said: “Many conversations are best done privately.” Anton Siluanov at the G20 meeting in Asheville on Monday.Bernd von Jutrczenka / dpa/picture alliance via Getty ImagesBut a source familiar with the meeting told NBC News on Monday that Bessent, who sanctioned Russia’s two largest oil companies in October, had made clear to his counterpart the “U.S.
will not provide Russia with economic relief until the war in Ukraine is over.” When Siluanov tried to discuss areas of interest, Bessent “forcefully interrupted and said nothing is possible until the war is over,” the source added.The pair met on the sidelines of the forum, with the discussion focusing on “Russian-American cooperation,” the Russian Finance Ministry said in a statement on its w...