Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said Western countries act illogically by trying to increase military spending while reducing budget deficits. ^[1] US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that global energy prices are rising due to a combination of Ukraine's attacks on Russian energy facilities and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. ^[2] At the G20 finance ministers' meeting in Asheville, N.C. on 2026-09-01, Canadian Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne said the presence of Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov 'created a lot of discomfort around the table.' ^[3] The Associated Press reported that U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov that the U.S. will not give Russia economic relief until it ends its war in Ukraine. ^[4] German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he opposed increasing debt for the European Union's 2028-2034 budget, arguing Europe must cut spending and set new priorities. ^[5] NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said alliance members need to increase defense-industrial investments due to new security threats in Europe. ^[6] Siluanov said Western governments simultaneously pledge to limit spending and deficits while also planning to boost defense expenditures, which he said would either cut social budgets or sustain deficits. ^[7] Disruptions in maritime transport through the Strait of Hormuz due to war have contributed to rising energy prices over the last six months. ^[8] Scott Bessent said that Ukraine's drone attacks on Russian energy infrastructure and refineries are creating pressure on global fuel supply and driving up prices. ^[9] The price of a barrel of oil has reached approximately $100, contributing to increased pressure on global inflation. ^[10] Champagne said that supporting Ukrainians is a key part of Canada's foreign policy. ^[11] U.S. President Donald Trump said his government invited Russia to the G20 meeting because 'we like getting along with everybody.' ^[12]