The mayor of Miami-Dade, Daniella Levine Cava, publicly questioned the invitation extended to Russian President Vladimir Putin to participate in the upcoming G20 summit in Miami and stated that the leader “should not be given a global platform” in a community that has welcomed those fleeing authoritarian governments for decades.
In a statement published on her X account this Monday, she made her position clear, just a few days after the Trump administration formally confirmed the invitation to the Russian president.
"Putin should not be given a global stage precisely in the city that has become a symbol of refuge for those who have fled from people like him," the mayor remarked in her statement.
The official stated that Miami-Dade is proud to welcome international leaders and emphasized the importance of diplomacy in seeking an end to the war in Ukraine. However, she differentiated between negotiating with what she termed "an aggressor" and giving "a place of honor in a community of exiles."
“Diplomacy matters, and ending this war matters. But dialogue does not require celebration,” stated Levine Cava.
Levine Cava justified her rejection by recalling the war in Ukraine and the international accusations against Putin. The mayor stated that welcoming a leader who, as she pointed out, launched an unprovoked war against a sovereign democracy, has bombed cities, power plants, and residential buildings in Ukraine, and faces an international arrest warrant related to the deportation of Ukrainian children represents a contradiction that Miami-Dade "cannot ignore."
The mayor reminded that Miami-Dade was built by people who fled from dictators, citing Cuban, Venezuelan, Nicaraguan, Haitian, and Ukrainian families who arrived in the county after, as she stated, "tyrants" took away their homes, imprisoned their loved ones, and silenced their voices.
He also assured the Ukrainian families residing in the county that he remains supportive of Ukraine's freedom and stated that this support "does not waver." Despite his criticisms, he made it clear that the county government will collaborate to ensure that the G20 celebration proceeds safely for residents and visitors.
"We will do our part to ensure that the G20 takes place safely and without setbacks for our residents and our guests," he stated, adding that Miami-Dade will also make it clear that "the values of this community are not up for negotiation."
The mayor's position contrasts with Washington's decision. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, confirmed on September 24 that the United States had formally invited Putin to the G20 and explained that the Trump administration views the meeting as an opportunity for the Russian leader to engage in dialogue with both the American president and other world leaders.
"We have invited President Putin to the G20. We believe it is an opportunity for him to interact not only with (Trump) but also with other world leaders. We hope he accepts the invitation," Rubio stated at the time.
The invitation suggests a possible in-person return of Putin to the G20 after several years of absence. The Russian leader has not personally participated in a summit of the forum since 2019, although he did intervene virtually in 2023.
The leaders' summit is scheduled for December 14 and 15, 2026 at the Trump National Doral, in Miami-Dade.
The United States is holding the presidency of the G20 this year, and it will be the first time in nearly two decades that the country organizes the meeting of the world's major economies. The organization of the summit in Miami was announced at the end of 2025.
Months before the formal invitation, the potential presence of Putin had already generated uncertainty. In April, Trump stated that he was doubtful the Russian president would attend, although he believed that his presence could be beneficial for diplomatic discussions.
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