Lead

Russia's G20 sherpa, Denis Agafonov, said Moscow remains in close contact with the United States on G20-related matters, with both sides discussing measures to promote economic growth and prioritize emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence. Speaking to reporters after a G20 sherpa meeting in Washington on June 29-30, Agafonov, who heads the expert department of the Russian president's administration, emphasized that such areas of mutual interest exist and that close contact with the US as G20 chair allows both sides to identify common ground.

Coverage Comparison

Agafonov's remarks, reported by TASS, covered several aspects of Russia's engagement with the G20 and its bilateral dialogue with the United States. He addressed the economic perspective on sanctions, Russia's view of the G20 as a platform for new global economic rules, the absence of significant obstacles to Russia's participation, and Russia's support for the US 'back to basics' approach to the group's agenda.

On sanctions, Agafonov said the G20 will address the issue from an economic perspective, treating sanctions as constraints and barriers akin to tariffs and other non-market regulatory measures. He cited an estimate by the World Economic Forum in Davos that the negative impact of current international sanctions and restrictions amounts to around $200-300 billion annually, calling that a conservative estimate and warning that if the trend continues, the figure could reach trillions, representing a significant share of global GDP.

Agafonov also said Russia views the G20 as a potential platform for shaping new global economic rules of a universal nature. He noted that even key figures within US economic and financial leadership recognize the need to formulate new rules, but stressed that such rules must be universal. "Attempts to devise such rules unilaterally are not viable in the long term," he said, adding that the G20 is likely one of the most suitable formats for serious dialogue on this matter.

Regarding Russia's participation in G20 events, Agafonov said Moscow has not identified any insurmountable obstacles from the United States so far. He acknowledged that the bilateral relationship and the overall environment of restrictions and sanctions inevitably affects any dialogue, including discussions on international platforms. He also noted that the United States had previously committed to properly fulfilling its responsibilities as G20 chair, describing the G20 as an international forum that belongs equally to all participating countries, with each country having the right to decide whom it wants to see at any given event.

On the US presidency of the G20, Agafonov said Russia supports the American side's 'back to basics' approach, which focuses on fostering economic growth and ensuring financial stability without adding additional elements. He described the early stages of the US presidency as promising, noting that the American side has centered on "specific, quite practical aspects."

Key Claims

  • The G20 will address sanctions from an economic perspective, viewing them as constraints and barriers similar to tariffs and other non-market measures, according to Agafonov.
  • The negative impact of current international sanctions and restrictions is estimated at $200-300 billion annually, based on a World Economic Forum estimate cited by Agafonov.
  • Russia views the G20 as a potential platform for shaping new global economic rules of a universal nature, Agafonov said.
  • Moscow has not identified any insurmountable obstacles from the United States to Russia's participation in G20 events so far, Agafonov said.
  • The United States has committed to properly fulfilling its responsibilities as G20 chair, Agafonov said.
  • Russia supports the US 'back to basics' approach to the G20, which focuses on economic growth and financial stability, Agafonov said.
  • The United States took over the rotating G20 presidency from South Africa on December 1, 2025, as reported by TASS.
  • Moscow remains in close contact with the United States on G20 issues, discussing measures to promote economic growth and prioritize emerging technological solutions, including artificial intelligence, Agafonov said.

Perspectives

This article is based solely on statements from Russian G20 Sherpa Denis Agafonov, as reported by TASS. No other official perspectives were included in the provided material.

(Note: Since only one viewpoint is present, "Perspectives" is omitted from the article body to avoid speculating about absent viewpoints.)