G20 Photo Op Scrapped as Ministers Refuse to Stand With Russia's Lavrov

Plans for a group photograph of diplomats from the world's 20 largest economies were reportedly canceled after ministers objected to standing alongside Russia's top diplomat, Sergey Lavrov. The G20 foreign ministers' meeting, hosted in Atlanta, is grappling with significant disagreements on multiple global conflicts and crises that are impacting international security and trade.

According to Associated Press reports, G20 participants threatened to walk out of the summit if the photo opportunity proceeded with Lavrov present. US officials confirmed the cancellation of the planned photo, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who chaired the gathering, deciding to scrap it to avoid distraction.

This incident highlights the deep divisions among G20 nations, particularly concerning the Russia-Ukraine war. China is represented by a deputy foreign minister, while most other countries sent their top diplomats. Prior to the cancellation, British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband had indicated he would boycott the 'family photo' and had requested a separate photo with close allies instead. When asked about engaging with Lavrov, Miliband stated, "We do not engage in that way with the Russians and have not for a number of years."

The summit is also shadowed by the prospect of new US military intervention in Iran, a development that has unsettled the region, including G20 member Saudi Arabia. US officials have reportedly warned Middle Eastern countries and allies to prepare for potential strikes against Iran following recent midterm elections and the possibility of Iranian retaliation.

Discussions at the meeting are expected to focus on issues of freedom of navigation in key waterways like the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea, the Black Sea, and the South China Sea. Iran, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and China's actions in the South China Sea are also central topics.

Russia's foreign ministry had previously complained about visa issues for its delegation, suggesting internal US divisions regarding Lavrov's attendance. Maria Zakharova, a ministry spokeswoman, stated that Russia would use the meeting to advocate for "swift reform of global economic institutions" and promote a "multipolar world."

Experts note that Lavrov's presence could complicate efforts to forge a unified approach to the Russia-Ukraine war. Ian Kelly, a former US ambassador, commented that inviting Lavrov seemed "politically boneheaded" and could create domestic political issues for the Trump administration ahead of midterm elections.

South Africa, a G20 founding member, is notably absent from the Atlanta meetings. The country's foreign ministry stated its nonparticipation was not voluntary. Meanwhile, European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas indicated she would urge partners to strengthen support for Ukraine and ensure accountability for Russia's actions.

The G20 foreign ministers' meeting is set to precede a G20 leaders' summit in December, hosted by former President Donald Trump at his golf club in Florida. It remains unclear if Russian President Vladimir Putin will accept the invitation to that event.