US cancels G20 family photo after allies refuse to stand with Russia
The United States called off the traditional G20 foreign ministers’ group photo in Atlanta after several countries declined to pose alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
At a glance
- The US cancelled the G20 foreign ministers’ family photo in Atlanta after allies refused to pose with Russia.
- About one-third of countries said they would not appear beside Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
- Disagreements over Ukraine and South Africa’s exclusion may prevent a joint communique on Saturday.
The United States cancelled the traditional 'family photo' at the G20 foreign ministers' meeting in Atlanta after Australia, the United Kingdom, European Union nations and other countries refused to appear beside Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called off the group snapshot on Friday as about one-third of the countries present said they would not pose with Russian representatives.
What happened
Rubio opened the talks with an appeal for unity, telling colleagues they faced interconnected economic and geopolitical crises. Germany's foreign minister, Johann Wadephul, had warned ahead of the session that there would be no family photo with European partners and Lavrov together because there was no normality with Russia. UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said the UK does not engage that way with Russia and had not for years.
Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong used the opening session to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine in front of Lavrov, saying the illegal war had affected international markets and worsened global food security. A spokesperson for Wong said Australia supported the US decision to cancel the photo and would not normalise Russia's invasion.
Why it matters
The cancellation exposes a deep split at the G20 over Russia's war in Ukraine and the Trump administration's effort to reintegrate Russia and President Vladimir Putin into the international community. Diplomats described the opening session as cordial but said Russia's position on Ukraine remained unyielding. Russia also opposes Poland's membership in the G20, and Poland attended as a guest for the first time.
Participants said the disagreements, including the US decision not to invite G20 member South Africa, would probably prevent a joint communique when the meetings end on Saturday. Ukraine was not invited this year, though it has attended previous meetings, because US officials said they wanted only formal members present. Poland is seeking formal membership with US support.
What is not known yet
It is unclear whether the ministers can overcome their differences before the talks conclude. Sources did not say whether the cancelled photo will be rescheduled in any form.
What happens next
Several participants said all sides had agreed to try to overcome their differences and work toward making next month's G20 leaders summit in Florida, hosted by President Donald Trump, a success.
Sources: The Guardian World.
Questions and answers
- Why did the US cancel the G20 family photo?
- Australia, the UK, EU nations and other countries refused to appear beside Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, so US Secretary of State Marco Rubio cancelled the group snapshot.
- Where did the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting take place?
- The meeting took place in Atlanta, United States.
- Was Ukraine invited to the meeting?
- No. Ukraine was not invited this year because US officials said they wanted only formal G20 members present.
