Trump says Russia 'asked to be represented' at G20, would welcome Putin
Synopsis
Trump confirmed Russia has formally asked for representation at the US-hosted G20 — and said he would 'love to have' Putin there. Set against his stated urgency to end the Ukraine war and a nuclear deal ambition with Russia and China, the remarks signal the December Miami Leaders' Summit could become one of the most geopolitically charged G20 gatherings in recent memory.
Key Takeaways
Donald Trump confirmed on 17 October 2026 that Russia asked to be represented at the US-hosted G20 .
Trump said he would 'love to have' Vladimir Putin attend, though Putin's participation remains unconfirmed.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio will host the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Atlanta on 30–31 October .
The G20 Leaders' Summit is scheduled for 14–15 December at Trump National Doral, Miami .
Trump cited 32,000 soldier deaths in the last month of the Ukraine war and reiterated his goal of ending the conflict.
Trump denied imposing any restrictions on Ukraine's use of Starshield .
US President Donald Trump on 17 October 2026 said Russia had formally asked to be represented at the G20 meetings the United States is hosting this year, adding that he would 'love to have' Russian President Vladimir Putin attend. Trump made the remarks at the White House before departing on Marine One, in response to questions from reporters.
What Trump Said
Asked directly whether Putin was coming to the G20, Trump said, 'No, no, they asked to be represented. I don't know if he's coming. Certainly would love to have him.' Trump raised the G20 topic himself while answering a separate question about fuel prices, noting that 'Russian representatives go to those meetings.'
G20 Schedule Under US Presidency
The United States holds the G20 presidency in 2026. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to host the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, on 30 and 31 October, according to the State Department. Trump will host the Leaders' Summit on 14 and 15 December at Trump National Doral in Miami, Florida. Both Russia and India are members of the G20; India last hosted the grouping's summit in New Delhi in September 2023.
Nuclear Deal Ambitions and Ukraine War
Trump separately said he would like to reach a nuclear deal with both China and Russia, though he acknowledged he is 'not counting on it happening this year.' On the ongoing war in Ukraine, Trump was asked whether he had forgotten that it was Putin who started the conflict. 'Well, you know, I know the details, okay? And at some point I'll release the details. But I don't care anything except for one. I want that war ended,' he replied.
Trump cited casualty figures to underscore his urgency: 'Twenty-five thousand soldiers on average a month are being killed. Last month was 32,000 soldiers.' He added, 'I deal with both of them. I think they want that war ended there, and I think it's going to end. That's all I care about. I want that war to end.'
Starshield Restrictions Denied
When asked about reported restrictions on Ukraine's use of Starshield, Trump flatly denied any such move, saying, 'No, we didn't do that at all.'
The remarks come as Washington navigates its dual role as G20 host and primary broker in Ukraine peace efforts, with the December Leaders' Summit shaping up as a potential flashpoint for both diplomacy and geopolitical tension.
Point of View
Trump normalises Moscow's seat at the table even as the Ukraine war grinds on with tens of thousands of casualties a month. The December Miami summit now looms as a moment when the gap between Western allies and Washington's bilateral instincts could widen sharply. For India, which has carefully managed its own G20 legacy and its ties with both Moscow and Washington, the evolving US posture adds fresh complexity to an already delicate balancing act.
NationPress
17 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Trump say about Russia attending the G20?
Trump said Russia had asked to be represented at the G20 meetings the US is hosting in 2026, and that he would 'love to have' Putin attend. He added he does not yet know whether Putin will personally come.
When and where is the G20 Leaders' Summit in 2026?
The G20 Leaders' Summit is scheduled for 14 and 15 December 2026 at Trump National Doral in Miami, Florida. The G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting will be held earlier, on 30–31 October in Atlanta, Georgia.
What did Trump say about the Ukraine war?
Trump said he wants the Ukraine war ended above all else, citing an average of 25,000 soldier deaths per month — and 32,000 in the most recent month. He said he believes both sides want the conflict to end and that it will.
Did Trump restrict Ukraine's use of Starshield?
Trump denied any such restriction, saying flatly, 'No, we didn't do that at all,' when asked by reporters about reported limits on Ukraine's access to the Starshield satellite system.
Is Russia a G20 member?
Yes. Russia and India are both G20 members. India last hosted the G20 Leaders' Summit in New Delhi in September 2023, and the US holds the G20 presidency in 2026.
