Rubio defends decision to invite Russia to G20 meetings

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended Washington's decision to invite Russia to take part in the G20, the forum of the world's largest economies, at a press conference in Atlanta after the G20 foreign ministers' meeting. He stressed that contact with the Russian side must continue because the US is working to end the war in Ukraine. European Pravda reported on the press conference.

Criticism from Europe

Journalists asked Rubio to respond to criticism from European counterparts over Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov attending this week's ministerial meeting, and over the invitation to Russian President Vladimir Putin to the G20 summit in Miami. The US has invited Putin to the December summit, where he may meet President Donald Trump. Lavrov arrived in the US on 30 October.

The EU's chief diplomat, Kaja Kallas, said Lavrov's stance showed no sign that Russia is ready for peace talks. UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband rebuked Lavrov during the meeting.

Rubio's arguments

Rubio said the war in Ukraine can only end through a negotiated settlement, and asked how one could be reached without being able to talk to both Russia and Ukraine. He described Lavrov's attendance as another opportunity to keep interacting with the Russian system. According to him, the president does not see meeting or talking to someone as legitimising everything they do or stand for.

Rubio said the US is prepared to act as a mediator in ending the conflict, but that requires being able to communicate with both sides. He claimed Washington talks to Ukrainians as much as, if not more than, to the Russians. He also noted that Russia, like the US, is a nuclear power, so the two countries must maintain dialogue to avoid dangerous escalation.