Europe Balks as Sanctioned Russian Minister Joins G20

Klingbeil said the signal sent by receiving the Russian finance minister in the U.S. was "quite troubling," adding: "I would have wanted greater clarity from the American side that he should not be received here as a normal guest."

Dombrovskis said the European Union does not see this as a time to "normalize" Russia. "We also have problems discussing sensible diplomatic matters with representatives of a country waging an aggressive war and which are killing civilians on a daily basis," he said.

Polish Finance Minister Andrzej Domanski told Reuters he was unhappy to see Russia represented, while acknowledging that G20 hosts have the right to invite guests.

Trump, asked about the invitation Monday, said: "Well, we are going to see what happens, but we like getting along with everybody. One of the reasons that I'm so successful, I get along with everybody."

Treasury Undersecretary for International Affairs Erin Browne said the Russian delegation was invited because Russia is a G20 member. "It's important to have dialogue even during times of conflict," she said.

Asked how Siluanov responded to his sanctions pitch, Bessent said: "Many conversations are best done privately." The Russian Finance Ministry said the sidelines meeting focused on "Russian-American cooperation," and did not immediately respond to NBC News about the photo snub.