G20 drops group photo as Europeans refuse to stand with Lavrov
Summary
The United States canceled the traditional G20 foreign ministers’ group photo after European officials said they would not appear alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The Atlanta meeting is focused on global crises, including the wars in Ukraine and Iran, but no joint statement is expected.Key Facts
- German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said European partners would not take part in a group photo with Lavrov.
- Lavrov attended the meeting while under Western sanctions imposed after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
- Ukraine was not invited to the meeting.
- EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said she would urge G20 partners to support Ukraine and pursue accountability for Russian actions.
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called for cooperation on economic and geopolitical crises affecting trade, energy, food supplies and freedom of navigation.
- No joint statement is expected; Washington plans to publish a chair’s summary instead.
- China sent Executive Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu, while South Africa was excluded by Washington.
- The Atlanta meeting is the final ministerial gathering under the US G20 presidency before leaders meet in Miami on December 14 and 15.
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