UK Rejects Putin G20 Invite as Trump Teases ‘Big Agreement’ on Ukraine

POLICY WIRE — Manchester, UK — Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has confirmed that Vladimir Putin will not receive an invitation to next year’s G20 summit. This decision comes as US President Donald Trump suggests a significant diplomatic breakthrough regarding the conflict in Ukraine may be on the horizon.

In remarks to The Economist, Burnham gave a definitive ‘no’ when questioned whether the Russian president would be welcomed at the event in Manchester. This stance marks a clear departure from previous US signaling; notably, Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated in September that Washington had already extended an invitation to the G20 meeting in Miami.

President Trump reported meeting with Kirill Dmitriev, Putin’s special envoy, on Thursday, expressing optimism that the war could reach a conclusion. The president noted that while a resolution is imminent, the final framework would likely require participation from the European continent.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump stated that an agreement is inevitable and described it as a ‘big, beautiful agreement.’ He emphasized that the deal would extend beyond Ukraine, potentially involving all of Europe, and predicted that the outcome would leave everyone thrilled.

In a separate diplomatic move, Melania Trump hosted delegations from both Russia and Ukraine at the White House on Thursday. The White House characterized the event as an unprecedented initiative by the first lady, who played a role in mediating a six-day local ceasefire near the Russian-occupied town of Oleshky.

The ceasefire in Oleshky is part of broader international efforts to end the conflict that began with the 2022 invasion. A formal trilateral summit involving the US, Ukraine, and Russia is currently scheduled for November 10-11 in Abu Dhabi.

Melania Trump told attendees that the administration had prioritized humanity over conflict, urging negotiators to use the momentum gained at Oleshky to find common ground based on the suffering of civilians. Kirill Dmitriev echoed these sentiments, stating that the ceasefire demonstrated the power of cooperation and determination, while also noting that Putin appreciates the president’s efforts toward peace.

Despite these diplomatic overtures, violence continues. In the Russian-controlled Luhansk region, local governor Leonid Pasechnik reported on MAX that two separate bus attacks resulted in seven deaths on Thursday. Fourteen other individuals, including two teenagers aged 15 and 17, were wounded.

Furthermore, the administration’s energy strategy with Russia appears to be facing setbacks. Two Russian fuel tankers, the Talisman and the Hong Kong-owned Leruo, reportedly bypassed the US Atlantic Coast this week, abandoning their intended destination. This development follows a significant defeat for Trump’s party in the recent midterm elections.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)