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US Cancels Traditional G20 Group Photo After European Diplomats Refuse to Stand With Lavrov
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The US canceled the traditional G20 foreign ministers' group photo ahead of their October 30 meeting in Atlanta after European diplomats refused to be photographed alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
The Daily Mail reported on October 30, citing two US officials who confirmed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio canceled the photograph to prevent the controversy from disrupting the summit. Several European representatives had threatened to walk out if the photo session proceeded.
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British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband had already announced plans to boycott any photograph involving Lavrov and requested a separate picture with close allies.
"We do not engage in that way with the Russians and have not for a number of years," Miliband told British lawmakers earlier in the week, citing Russia's war against Ukraine.
The two-day gathering, chaired by Rubio, brings together senior diplomats to discuss international security, trade, and economic challenges. Russia's war against Ukraine, conflicts in the Middle East, and maritime security are among the main issues.
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Several G20 members also expressed concern over Washington's decision to invite Lavrov amid intensified Russian attacks on Ukraine. Ukraine, which had previously participated in G20 meetings despite not being a member, received no invitation this year. US officials explained that attendance was restricted to formal members.
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced plans to press international partners for stronger support for Ukraine and greater accountability for Russian actions, including through the Special Tribunal and Claims Commission.
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Washington's willingness to engage Moscow at the G20 extends beyond the foreign ministers' meeting. In September, the US formally invited the Russian leader Vladimir Putin to the G20 leaders' summit scheduled for December 20 in Miami, Florida.
Rubio announced the decision after meeting Lavrov and noted that the event would give Putin a chance to speak with US President Donald Trump and other world leaders. He also indicated that Washington was open to helping secure a limited ceasefire, adding that both sides had expressed interest in a truce covering grain and energy.
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