European foreign ministers refused to pose for a traditional family photograph with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at a Group of 20 meeting in Atlanta, citing a lack of normalcy in relations with Moscow, dw.com reported. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who hosted the gathering on Friday, chose to scrap the photo entirely to prevent the arrangement from becoming a public spectacle or a distraction from the proceedings.
German Officials Decline Joint Photo With Lavrov Over Ukraine War
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul told reporters prior to the opening session that European partners would not stand alongside Lavrov for the customary group picture. Wadephul pledged to call on Russia to accept ceasefire terms, specifically starting in the Black Sea. The two-day ministerial conference in Atlanta serves as a precursor to the upcoming G20 leaders summit scheduled for December in Miami at a golf club owned by US President Donald Trump.
Despite the boycott of the photo session, Rubio opened the broader talks by urging unity among member states during a critical geopolitical moment. The US host pointed to severe disruptions in global energy and trade that threaten the foundations of the international economic order. Separate ongoing conflicts involving the United States, Russia, and Iran have triggered a sharp rise in global food prices, complicating efforts to build consensus among the world’s major economies.
Lavrov Outlines Terms for Zelenskyy Meeting in Moscow
The diplomatic gathering drew intense interest regarding potential peace talks to end the war in Ukraine. While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously stated he would be willing to travel to Miami to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin if both attend the December summit, the Kremlin has so far declined direct meetings with Zelenskyy. Speaking to dw.com on the sidelines of the Atlanta meeting, Lavrov stated that Putin is willing to meet Zelenskyy if the Ukrainian leader travels to Moscow. Lavrov added that Russian authorities would guarantee his safety, though he declined to confirm whether Putin will personally attend the Miami leaders meeting. Putin has not attended a G20 leaders meeting since 2019, participating only via video link in 2023.
The European Union’s top diplomat Kaja Kallas said participants confronted Lavrov directly during the sessions regarding the war in Ukraine. Kallas told reporters that ministers challenged what she characterized as lies and false narratives presented by the Russian delegation. British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband echoed those remarks, urging member states to pursue a just and lasting peace in Ukraine if they remain serious about international values.
US Diesel Deal With Russia Fails to Ease Broader Tensions
Lavrov addressed relations with Washington following a recent policy shift by the Trump administration. Trump announced a diesel deal with Russia earlier in the month and waived certain energy sanctions weeks ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. Despite those economic moves, Lavrov stated on Friday that no real progress has been observed in diplomatic ties between Moscow and Washington.
The meeting also highlighted broader divisions over attendance. South Africa, a founding member of the G20 and the sole African nation in the bloc, was excluded from the Atlanta talks following visa restrictions imposed by Washington over domestic disputes. Phindile Kunene, a spokesperson for South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola, stated that the country’s nonparticipation was not voluntary. Because of these deep fractures, organizers expect the meeting to conclude on Saturday without a formal joint consensus, relying instead on a chair summary drafted by the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions About the G20 Ministerial Meeting
Why was the traditional family photo canceled in Atlanta?
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio decided to scrap the photo after top European diplomats refused to stand alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stating there is no normalcy in relations with Russia.
Will Russian President Vladimir Putin attend the G20 summit in Miami?
It remains unclear whether Putin will accept the invitation to the December summit hosted by US President Donald Trump. Putin has not attended a G20 leaders meeting since 2019.
Which prominent G20 member country was excluded from the Atlanta meeting?
South Africa, a founding member of the G20 and its only African member state, did not participate after the Trump administration did not extend an invitation amid ongoing bilateral visa disputes.
How is the meeting expected to conclude without a joint consensus?
With deep divisions persisting among member states, the gathering is slated to end with a chair summary drafted by the United States rather than a traditional final declaration.
Keep reading