Ukraine, though not a G20 member, has historically been invited to related gatherings but was omitted from this summit. This exclusion reflects the shifting diplomatic dynamics surrounding the ongoing conflict.
A senior UK official indicated that Britain maintains a policy of avoiding direct bilateral interactions with Russian ministers since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, stating that this stance remains unchanged.
U.S.-Ukrainian relations have become especially strained recently, centered on disagreements over Kyiv’s strikes against Russian oil infrastructure and the broader diplomatic impasse between President Volodymyr Zelensky and President Donald Trump.
According to a U.S. official, the planned family photo was cancelled after it became evident that several delegations were reluctant to participate. “Rather than allowing a ceremonial photo to become a diplomatic distraction, the United States opted to forgo it and maintain focus on substantive discussions,” the official explained.
In contrast, U.S.-Russian ties appear to be modestly improving, with Trump lifting certain sanctions and arranging a deal to import Russian diesel to help curb fuel prices ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. This move follows months of challenges linked to the Iran conflict.
Ukraine and its European allies have sharply criticized Trump’s agreement with President Vladimir Putin, with Zelensky describing it as “a gift” that amounts to “an investment in a war that must be ended, not prolonged.”
Trump defended the decision to suspend additional sanctions, arguing that it is intended to keep Russia engaged in negotiations to resolve the war with Ukraine.
Putin has signaled that Russia, which imposed a diesel export ban earlier this year, is prepared to supply both the U.S. and global markets with oil and refined products.
The U.S. State Department also announced this week the approval of a more than $2 billion sale of Patriot missile systems to Ukraine, a critical asset for the nation’s air defenses against Russian attacks.
Since launching its full-scale invasion in 2022, Russia has seized control of roughly one‑fifth of Ukrainian territory. In recent weeks, Moscow has escalated its missile and drone assaults on major Ukrainian cities, including the capital, Kyiv.
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