Merz ready to speak with Putin in person at G20 summit in Miami

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said he is ready to speak with Vladimir Putin in person at the G20 summit in Miami if the Russian president takes part in it.

Merz said this in an interview with the German television channel ZDF.

According to the chancellor, he will not shy away from such an opportunity. “The German chancellor must also talk to Putin at some point. As far as we know, US President Donald Trump has invited him to the summit. He has not yet confirmed participation, but if he is there, I will not shy away from the opportunity to talk,” Merz said.

The G20 summit will be held on December 14-15. Russia has not yet confirmed Putin’s participation.

The day before, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin said that the US wants to see the Russian president at the G20 summit in Miami, but Moscow will make this decision on the eve of the event. According to him, Russia will be represented at the summit at a “high level,” but the specific composition will be determined later.

“The American side has officially invited the Russian Federation and has repeatedly stated publicly that it would like to see the Russian leader. The Russian side intends to take an active part in the summit. In any case, we will be represented at a high level,” Pankin said.

Earlier, German Foreign Minister Wadephul met with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov.