USA invites Putin to the G20 summit in Miami – ceasefire remains uncertain

At the UN General Assembly, the struggle to end the war against Ukraine continues. Now, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the US government has invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to the G20 summit in Miami in December.

Rubio justified this to journalists in New York: If you want to solve problems, he said, you also have to meet with people with whom you disagree. Putin's participation in the G20 summit in Miami would be a good opportunity for Putin to talk not only with US President Donald Trump, but also with other heads of state and government.

Ceasefire - or not?

Rubio also expressed confidence that there could be a break in the fighting. Ukraine and Russia are interested in a limited ceasefire, he said after a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Both sides have signaled interest in an agreement that could include a halt to attacks on grain deliveries and energy facilities. A partial agreement is not easy to achieve in the conflict, but it is worth the effort even if it does not end the war completely, he said.

However, Lavrov dampened expectations a little later. In the UN Security Council he once again rejected any consideration of a ceasefire. Only Europe wants such a break in order to pump Ukraine full of weapons during this time, Lavrov said. As President Putin said, Moscow is seeking a comprehensive settlement to end the conflict.

Ukraine: Ready for partial ceasefire

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha reiterated in his response that Kiev was ready for an immediate, complete ceasefire without conditions - provided Moscow also adheres to it. Ukraine is also ready for partial ceasefires for energy plants or grain exports.

But Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov also curbed expectations. There are currently no concrete plans for further US-mediated talks between Russia and Ukraine.

No breakthrough

The USA has long been trying to bring an end to the Russian war of aggression, which has been going on for more than four and a half years. But so far the talks have failed to produce a breakthrough. Most recently, US President Trump's administration discussed a moratorium between Russia and Ukraine on attacks on energy facilities. But Moscow has already rejected this several times.

The fighting now continues. Russia attacked Kyiv again with drones and missiles. According to authorities, at least two people were killed and more than 40 others were injured.

With information from Martin Ganslmeier, ARD New York