Germany welcomes Putin's G20 invitation as test of talks

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin's invitation to the G20 summit as a return to the circle of Western leaders. He stated that such opportunities should be used. Wadephul said the invitation would serve as a litmus test to determine whether Putin is ready to negotiate in good faith. He reiterated calls for Russia to sit at the negotiating table, noting this could mark the beginning of serious talks if Moscow is genuinely interested in ending the war. Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand expressed surprise at US President Donald Trump's decision to invite Putin to the December summit in Miami. However, she saw no reason for Canada to boycott it, emphasizing the importance of dialogue with Russia. A bipartisan group of 14 senators had urged Trump to rescind the invitation, citing sanctions against Putin and other Russian officials.