US Cancels G20 Photo Session After Europeans Object to Posing With Russia’s Lavrov
US Cancels G20 Photo Session After Europeans Object to Posing With Russia’s Lavrov
The G20 meeting in Atlanta is expected to prepare the ground for a leaders’ summit to be hosted by US President Donald Trump at his Miami golf club in December.
The United States has cancelled plans for a group photograph of foreign ministers attending the Group of 20 (G20) meeting in Atlanta after several European officials objected to being pictured alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
According to Associated Press, the photograph, traditionally taken at the opening of diplomatic gatherings, was scrapped on Friday after some European delegates threatened to walk out of the session if Lavrov was included.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio decided to cancel the photo session to prevent the disagreement from distracting from the meeting, two US officials said on condition of anonymity.
The G20 meeting in Atlanta is expected to prepare the ground for a leaders’ summit to be hosted by US President Donald Trump at his Miami golf club in December.
The cancellation highlights divisions among G20 members over major international issues, including the Russia-Ukraine war, the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, US tariffs and China’s activities in the South China Sea.
These disputes have also contributed to rising global fuel costs and uncertainty over international trade.
Russia’s presence raises tensions among Western allies
Russia’s participation had already raised concerns among some G20 members, particularly as Moscow continues its attacks on Ukraine.
The concerns come amid Trump’s efforts to improve relations with Russia, including waiving new sanctions against Moscow and temporarily restricting logistical and intelligence support to Ukraine.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry also complained that visa arrangements for its delegation were delayed and only resolved shortly before the meeting.
The ministry’s spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, said the difficulties had created the impression that not everyone in Washington welcomed Lavrov’s attendance.
She added that Lavrov would use the meeting to push for the “swift reform of global economic institutions”.
Lavrov has made few visits to NATO member countries since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which prompted widespread sanctions against Moscow.
His attendance in Atlanta is also expected to generate political debate in the US ahead of the midterm elections and create further tensions among Western participants.
Ian Kelly, a former US ambassador to Georgia during Trump’s first administration, said inviting Lavrov could create political difficulties for the president.
“It seems politically boneheaded to invite him,” said Kelly, who now teaches international relations and diplomacy at Northwestern University near Chicago.
