(Image: Wikimedia Commons)
Russia will be invited to the G20 finance summit in Edinburgh next summer, a decision which could create tensions with the UK’s European allies.
Last week, the UK Government announced that finance ministers and central bank governors from the world’s leading economies will gather in Scotland’s capital on July 8 and 9, 2027.
This year, Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov attended the finance summit in person for the first time since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
His presence at the event in North Carolina was strongly criticised by European leaders.
“I find the signal sent by receiving the Russian finance minister here quite troubling," German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil said during the summit in August.
German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil. (Image: Sandro Halank/Wikimedia Commons)
“I would have wanted greater clarity from the American side that he should not be received here as a normal guest.
“The mere fact that the Russian finance minister is back - after, I believe, four G20 meetings without Russian participation - indicates an attempt at normalisation, and that makes it all the more important for us to push back.”
Mr Siluanov also attended a second G20 finance meeting in Thailand on October 15.
The Herald asked the UK Government if Mr Siluanov would be invited to the event in Edinburgh.
“The G20 is a consensus-based multilateral grouping, all countries are invited and it's a matter for member states who represent them at summits,” a spokesperson said.
Reuters reports that European ministers and financial leaders refused to take the traditional ‘family photo’ with Mr Siluanov at the latest summit.
The Liberal Democrats said that the UK should use the opportunity to press the Russians on their invasion of Ukraine.
"Whether we like or approve of all the participants or not, these multilateral gatherings offer an important opportunity for diplomacy and engagement,” said Edinburgh North Western MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton.
"I hope that the UK delegation can try to convince the Russians that their best interests are served by withdrawing from Ukraine and choosing the path of peace,” he added.
"If that is not possible, we need to be staunch in supporting Ukraine and ensuring that they have what they need to carry on the defence of their country.
“As a nation we must never go down the route of Nigel Farage in Downing Street, who would sell out our friends in Ukraine at the drop of a hat."
Last week, Mr Farage said that a government led by Reform would reevaluate the UK’s support for Ukraine, which he called “one of the most corrupt countries on earth”.
“I’ve never said we shouldn’t support Ukraine — ever,” he said.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. (Image: PA)
“But I have said I would like to have a keen look to make sure British taxpayers’ money is not being swallowed up in corruption.
“Look, this is one of the most corrupt countries on earth. We know that. I’ve been very, very worried about where some of our money has gone,” Mr Farage added.
“But I am in no doubt at all that Putin now poses a greater threat than he’s posed at any point.”
Regardless of whether the Russians set up shop at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre next summer, the decision to hold the summit in the Scottish capital has already been praised.
Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey said last week: “As the UK’s second financial centre, Edinburgh is a fitting host for the G20 finance meeting.
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“Alongside the Leaders’ Summit in Manchester, and other meetings around the nations and regions, the G20 is a real opportunity for the whole of the UK.”
“Bringing the world's finance ministers to Edinburgh recognises our capital's reputation as a global financial centre,” Secretary of State for Scotland Douglas Alexander added.
“This is a significant moment for Edinburgh and the whole of Scotland - the event showcases Scottish innovation and ambition to a global audience."
The G20, which comprises 85 per cent of global GDP and 75 per cent of international trade, includes Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States, the European Union and the African Union