President Donald Trump is expected to extend an invitation to Russian leader Vladimir Putin for the upcoming Group of Twenty (G-20) summit, set to take place in December at the Trump National Doral golf resort in Miami. However, administration officials confirmed on Thursday that no formal invitation has been sent yet.
The State Department released a statement noting that Trump "has made it clear that Russia is welcome at all G-20 meetings as the United States aims for a successful and productive summit."
A senior administration official, speaking anonymously to The Washington Post, clarified that "no formal invites have been issued at this time, but Russia, as a G-20 member, will be invited to attend both the ministerial meetings and the leaders' summit."
From the Oval Office, Trump himself downplayed the news, stating he hadn't extended a formal invitation but acknowledged that Putin's presence would be favorable: "No, it hasn't been issued. But if he came, it would be very helpful."
Meanwhile, Trump expressed doubt over Putin's attendance: "To be honest, I doubt he will come."
In Moscow, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated, "Russia has participated in all summits at the appropriate level," adding that the decision regarding their participation format will be made closer to the event.
Additionally, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin mentioned that Russia received a G-20 invitation "at the highest level," although acceptance will depend on future circumstances.
Putin's potential visit to Miami is complicated by a significant legal hurdle: the International Criminal Court (ICC) has maintained an arrest warrant for the Russian leader since March 17, 2023, concerning the unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia, a charge categorized as a war crime.
Nonetheless, the United States is not a signatory to the Rome Statute, having withdrawn its signature in 2002, and is not legally required to enforce the warrant should Putin set foot on American soil.
This precedent was already evident in August 2025 when Putin traveled to Alaska for a bilateral summit with Trump at Elmendorf-Richardson Base in Anchorage, without any legal repercussions.
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Putin has not personally attended any G-20 summits, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov representing him at the gatherings in Bali, India, and Johannesburg.
Trump also used the occasion to criticize Russia's expulsion from the G-8 in 2014 following the annexation of Crimea, calling it a "very stupid" decision and remarking about Putin: "He felt very insulted and rightfully so."
The Miami G-20 summit, scheduled for December 14-15, 2026, marks the first such event hosted by the United States in nearly two decades. Trump's unilateral decision to select his own resort as the venue has sparked criticism over potential conflicts of interest.
Key Questions About Putin's Potential G-20 Visit
Why hasn't a formal invitation been sent to Putin yet?
Although Trump has expressed a desire for Russia to attend, no formal invitation has been sent as the administration is focusing on ensuring a successful summit.
What legal obstacles could Putin face if he visits the U.S.?
There is an ICC arrest warrant against Putin for war crimes. However, since the U.S. is not a party to the Rome Statute, it is not obligated to enforce the warrant.
Has Putin attended G-20 summits since the Ukraine invasion?
No, Putin has not attended in person since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with Sergey Lavrov representing him at recent summits.