G20 in Atlanta: Ministers skip group photo after European refusal to stand with Lavrov

The United States has dropped the customary group photograph of foreign ministers from this week's G20 summit in Atlanta. The change follows a decision by European officials to refuse to stand next to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul confirmed the plan, stating, “There will be no family photo featuring our European partners together with Mr Lavrov.” Lavrov arrived in Atlanta ahead of the talks despite remaining under Western sanctions imposed after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Russian state media reported that Moscow expects Lavrov to use his speech to argue against international sanctions. Ukraine was not invited to the gathering, according to The National. A diplomatic source told the AFP news agency that Russia’s attendance “in no way legitimises its actions.”

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio opened the talks by urging members to cooperate on economic and geopolitical crises. He cited threats to global trade, energy, and food supplies, as well as freedom of navigation. Rubio noted on X that both maritime and food security drive economic security.

The timing of the meeting is complicated by recent events in the Middle East. Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz after US-Israeli strikes began in late February, leading to a sharp rise in global energy prices. The talks also come weeks after President Donald Trump issued sanctions waivers allowing Russia to export diesel to ease fuel prices before the November 3 midterm elections.

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas pledged to urge G20 partners to strengthen support for Ukraine. She cited a Russian strike on a Ukrainian railway station that killed at least 14 people earlier on Thursday. Kallas said she would push for accountability through a special tribunal and claims commission.

No joint statement is expected from the meeting. A diplomatic source told the AFP news agency that Washington will publish a chair’s summary instead. The source added, “The G20 is no longer really a forum where foreign ministers can reach agreement on a statement.” China sent Executive Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu, while South Africa has been excluded by Washington. The Atlanta talks are the last ministerial meeting of the US G20 presidency before leaders convene in Miami on December 14 and 15.