G20 cancels group photo over Lavrov’s presence
Photo: Sergey Lavrov (Getty Images)
The traditional group photo at the G20 summit in Atlanta was canceled after several countries boycotted it, refusing to be photographed alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Bloomberg reports.
Organizers decided to abandon the ritual, which is intended to demonstrate unity among world leaders. The move followed strong protests from Germany and several other countries over the presence of Russia’s foreign minister.
The Western allies’ refusal became a powerful symbol of divisions over US President Donald Trump’s efforts to improve relations with Russia in order to end the war in Ukraine.
Although the photo is purely ceremonial, the boycott exposed deep divisions within the group.
Germany’s position on relations with Russia
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul told reporters in Atlanta that relations with Moscow could not return to "business as usual."
"We need to discuss these controversies here at the table, which is why this conversation is important. But we must also avoid sending the wrong visual signals," he stressed.
A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the official photo session had been canceled. According to him, organizers sought to ensure controversies surrounding the photo would not draw attention away from the summit's main priorities and discussions.
Earlier, Sergey Lavrov said that Russia’s war against Ukraine would continue and could even escalate.
In addition, Russia’s foreign minister said there would be no ceasefire to allow Ukraine to hold presidential elections.
