00:00I wanted to ask what your message to European partners who feel that inviting Russia's finance minister to Asheville sends
00:08a troubling signal, given its attacks in Ukraine,
00:11and to what degree has the Russian finance minister's presence impacted the work of G20 members and also of the
00:18G7? Thank you so much.
00:19Well, I would point out that we had 19 out of 20 countries agree, so that there has been no
00:26impact.
00:26And as President Trump says, he likes to get along with everyone.
00:31And I think, unfortunately, this horrible conflict between Russia and Ukraine, if the sides don't talk, if we are not
00:40engaged, then how can it be solved?
00:42So I think the perspective here, I know that some Europeans had a sour taste, but I think it's very
00:52important to engage.
00:54Otherwise, if both fighters go in a corner, then there will never be a resolution to this horrible conflict.
01:02And I will point out that the finance minister who I met with is unsanctioned.
