European Ministers Refuse Lavrov, Scrapping G20 Group Photo in Atlanta

European foreign ministers will not stand next to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov for a group photograph during the G20 summit in Atlanta. The United States has removed the traditional family photo from the schedule after European officials declined to be pictured with the Russian leader.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul confirmed the change through the dpa news agency, stating, "There will be no family photo featuring our European partners together with Mr Lavrov." The decision takes place against a backdrop of intense diplomatic tension. The G20 meeting in Atlanta is overshadowed by the continuing wars in Ukraine and Iran, with global energy prices rising sharply since Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz in late February.

Lavrov arrived in Atlanta ahead of the talks, despite remaining under Western sanctions imposed following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Moscow announced on Thursday that he would use his speech to argue against international sanctions. Ukraine was not invited to the meeting, according to The National. A diplomatic source told the AFP news agency that Russia's participation "in no way legitimises its actions."

The timing of the summit is complicated by recent events in Europe. A Russian strike on a Ukrainian railway station killed at least 14 people earlier on Thursday. In response, European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas pledged to urge G20 partners to strengthen support for Ukraine. She also called for pursuing accountability through a special tribunal and a claims commission.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio opened the talks by urging cooperation on economic and geopolitical crises. He cited threats to global trade, energy, and food supplies, as well as freedom of navigation. Rubio wrote on X that both maritime and food security drive economic security. The meeting follows weeks after President Donald Trump issued sanctions waivers allowing Russia to export diesel, a move intended to ease fuel prices before the November 3 midterm elections.

The summit will conclude with a chair's summary drafted by Washington, rather than a joint statement. A diplomatic source told AFP that the G20 is no longer a forum where ministers can easily reach agreement. China sent Executive Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu in place of Wang Yi. South Africa has been excluded by Washington, while the African Union is represented by Burundi's Edouard Bizimana.

No government has confirmed whether Rubio and Lavrov will hold a formal bilateral meeting. The Atlanta talks serve as the final ministerial meeting of the U.S. G20 presidency. World leaders are scheduled to meet in Miami on December 14 and 15.