G20 Cancels Atlanta Photo After Objections to Russia

The customary group photograph at the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in Atlanta was cancelled on October 30 after delegations objected to appearing alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, exposing divisions among participants as Secretary of State Marco Rubio called for cooperation. A Western diplomat said about one-third of the countries attending opposed taking part in a photograph with Lavrov. U.S. officials said the photo was dropped after some delegations made clear they would not participate. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said there would be no photograph with European partners and Lavrov, citing the absence of normal relations with Russia. Australia and Canada were also among the countries identified in accounts of the objections. Lavrov attended the meeting despite the objections. The dispute unfolded against the backdrop of Russia’s war against Ukraine, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband addressed Lavrov during the meeting, criticizing Russia’s conduct in the war. Lavrov said Russia’s position on the conflict had not changed, according to Russian news agencies. In opening remarks on October...