US cancels G20 foreign ministers photo after European and Australian objections to Russia's Lavrov
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Diplomats from several countries declined to join a planned group photo with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at the G20 in Atlanta, prompting the United States to cancel the event.
The United States cancelled the traditional G20 foreign ministers group photograph in Atlanta after a number of diplomats said they would not appear alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who was attending at the invitation of the hosts. The photo, scheduled for 10 a.m. local time on Friday, was called off without an official statement, and a U.S. official said the decision was intended to avoid a distraction.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong publicly indicated she would not take part in the picture, a source familiar with the matter said. Reuters reported that Canada also objected. European ministers made similar statements; German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said, "In no case will there be a family photo with European partners and Mr Lavrov together because ... there is no normalcy with Russia," and British Foreign Secretary Ed Milliband added, "We do not engage in that way with the Russians and have not for a number of years."
During the opening session, Wong addressed the impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on food security and global markets while speaking in front of Lavrov and other counterparts. A spokesperson for Wong said Australia supported the U.S. decision, stating, "Australia has been clear and consistent: we will not normalise Russia’s brutal and illegal invasion of Ukraine."
The episode follows recent moves by President Donald Trump to ease sanctions on Russia and pursue trade deals, including a waiver of new sanctions and a proposal to purchase Russian diesel. Trump has also invited President Vladimir Putin to the G20 leaders’ meeting in Miami in December, though attendance remains uncertain.