The United States has invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend the G20 summit in Miami in December, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday.
The invitation could provide an opportunity for Putin to interact with US President Donald Trump and other world leaders.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, Rubio said Washington hoped Putin would accept the invitation.
However, he stopped short of confirming Putin’s attendance or announcing a fresh bilateral meeting between the Russian and US presidents.
Rubio said the US had not discussed a Trump-Putin meeting but could arrange one if Putin attends the G20 and the talks have a clear purpose.
He said Trump remained open to engaging with leaders with whom he disagreed, while stressing that such meetings required preparation and should aim for a concrete outcome.
The two presidents have spoken by telephone several times since Trump took office. Rubio estimated that they had held at least a dozen conversations, although he said he did not have an exact count.
The invitation comes as Washington pursues diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
Rubio said both sides showed interest in a limited grain and energy ceasefire, which could ease the conflict and pave the way for wider talks.
Zelensky discussed the proposal with US officials, while Witkoff and Kushner raised it in Moscow. Washington said it was ready to help.
Energy strikes remain a key obstacle, with both sides targeting critical infrastructure.
Putin last attended an in-person G20 summit in 2019. The next summit will take place in Miami in December.
The Kremlin said Russia would consider the US invitation through diplomatic channels.
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