G20 photo cancelled as Lavrov's presence sparks protests

· Politics · United States · Russia

G20 foreign ministers dropped their traditional group photo after European members refused to stand with Russia's Sergei Lavrov, as talks in Atlanta were divided by the Iran war, disruption in the Strait of Hormuz and Ukraine. UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband confronted Lavrov and accused his government of killing innocent civilians in Ukraine. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Lavrov presented "lies" and accused Moscow of not being ready for peace negotiations. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged officials to work together against threats to the economic order. Japan demanded the release of a detained national, and Lavrov said inviting Poland to G20 meetings broke diplomatic rules.

Why it matters：The split shows how the Iran and Ukraine wars have paralysed cooperation among major economies at a time of energy and trade stress.

Key points

  • European ministers refused to pose with Lavrov
  • Kallas accused Moscow of not being ready for peace talks
  • Japan pressed Russia over a detained journalist

Sources (original reporting)

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