Bessent met with Russian counterpart at G20

The intrigue: A Treasury spokesperson told Axios that Bessent and Siluanov discussed Trump's Ukraine peace plan and economic growth.

• In a statement, Russia's Finance Ministry said the talks covered financial issues between the two nations and G20 engagement.

Driving the news: Russia's war in Ukraine continues to rage, and European governments are still wielding sanctions aimed at squeezing Moscow's economy and finances.

• European officials have resisted treating Russia as a normal participant in global economic forums.

Zoom in: "I made it clear to the Europeans this morning in the plenary session that I would not pose for a photo with the Russian finance minister," German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil told reporters in Asheville, North Carolina, according to a translation of his remarks.

• Klingbeil said that this "joint approach" from the Europeans resulted in the traditional "family photo" of G20 finance ministers and central bank governors being taken without the Russian delegation.

The bottom line: The U.S. is re-engaging with Russia, while Europe remains intent on keeping Moscow isolated as the war goes on, making for some awkward moments in Asheville.