CNBC Daily Open: A surprise seat for Russia at the G20 table
The appearance of Russia's Finance Minister at the G20 meeting in North Carolina sparks dismay amoung European officials.
JaneWalter
31 August 2026, United States, Asheville: Conference participants are seated during the first working session at the meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors from the G20 countries.
Bernd von Jutrczenka | Picture Alliance | Getty Images
Hello, this is Leonie Kidd coming to you from London.
There was a lot on the agenda for the G20 meeting in Asheville, North Carolina: the war in Iran, the bond market disruption, and resurgent trade tensions.
What did not seem to be clear, was the attendance of Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, in a move that has left European officials in dismay.
Read on for more.
What you need to know today
The surprise appearance of Russia's Siluanov at the G20 meeting sent shockwaves through the European community.
It marked his first in-person attendance of the summit since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and seemed to blindside the European attendees. Officials opposed appearing in the traditional G20 family photo with Russia, which was ultimately taken without Siluanov present.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent met with Siluanov on the sidelines of the event, and reportedly told the Russian official that no sanctions relief or new agreements with Moscow were possible, as long as the war in Ukraine continues.
Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to cease his "endless war" in Ukraine, as the two leaders met at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Kyrgyzstan on Monday.
Strait back to strikes
Tensions with Iran also escalated over the weekend.
U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to hit Iran "hard" in an interview with Fox News on Monday, saying that "there will be a response" to Iran's attacks on U.S. military bases in the region.
Meanwhile, another tanker was struck while transiting through the Strait of Hormuz on Monday.
Venezuela oil
The White House has announced that Venezuela has granted U.S.-backed North America Blue Energy Partners 100-year concessions for 17 oil fields in the country. Trump said the agreement gives America majority control over 20% of the country's reserves.
Fast fashion fall
Shares in fast-fashion giant Shein are under pressure on the debut day of trading in Hong Kong.
The IPO values Shein at around $26.5 billion, compared with its private market valuation of $100 billion in 2022.
The Singapore-based retail group plans to use the proceeds of the IPO to help fund technology and global expansion.
— Leonie Kidd
And Finally...
Anthony Scaramucci on failure, ego and 11 days in the White House
Anthony Scaramucci's career has included high-profile successes and setbacks.
In this episode of "Executive Decisions," the SkyBridge Capital founder reflects on leaving Goldman Sachs to build his own business, why insecurity led him into the wrong job early in his career and the pride and ego that influenced his decision to join the Trump administration.
After being fired from the White House after just 11 days, Scaramucci was advised to disappear from public life. Instead, he chose to face his critics — a decision he says became part of a wider reckoning with his mistakes, his relationships and himself.
— Steve Sedgwick
