The United States has scrapped the customary group photograph at the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in Atlanta after a significant number of countries refused to stand alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. This decision underscores the ongoing tensions within the G20 regarding Russia’s international role, especially in light of its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
Approximately one-third of the participating nations, including the United Kingdom, Australia, and members of the European Union, indicated plans to boycott the photo or walk out if Russian representatives were present. Consequently, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called off the photo session, emphasizing the need for unity amid global economic and geopolitical challenges.
European officials have been particularly vocal in their opposition, with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stating that it was inappropriate to project any semblance of normal relations with Russia while the conflict in Ukraine persists. UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband also reaffirmed Britain’s refusal to participate in the photograph with Lavrov.
During the meeting’s opening session, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong criticized Russia’s actions in Ukraine, describing the invasion as unjustified and highlighting its detrimental impact on global markets and food security. Australia supported the US decision to cancel the photograph, stressing its disapproval of normalizing relations with Russia under the current circumstances.
The incident reflects deeper divisions within the G20, exacerbated by Russia’s opposition to Poland’s potential G20 membership and the exclusion of South Africa from the meeting. These differences are likely to hinder the possibility of issuing a joint communique at the meeting’s conclusion. Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski acknowledged the challenges in reaching a consensus due to ongoing conflicts.
South Africa’s absence from the invitation list, despite being a founding G20 member, has further strained relations with Washington. This exclusion follows disputes during South Africa’s G20 presidency in 2025, adding to the diplomatic tensions ahead of the upcoming G20 leaders’ summit in Florida, which President Donald Trump is set to host.